Crime-fighting Littlehampton volunteers step into the breach

They have signed up for an innovative community project, Street Watch, devised by Sussex Police to combat lower-level anti-social behaviour, the first of its kind in the county.

Assistant Chief Constable, Robin Merrett, welcomed the move and praised the 11 volunteers recruited so far for stepping forward.

He said: “I am very excited by the idea of Street Watch. It’s about members of the public working with us and fighting alongside us to forge a better community.

“It’s nothing like vigilantism – as some people are saying. We’re not asking people to go out and stop fights, or tackle drug dealers.

“This scheme is about reigniting what it means to be a good citizen and working together to help improve the community.

“Being a visible presence is incredibly important, and we have already seen, from other similar schemes in Hampshire, that it’s been massively successful.

“So launching the first Street Watch group in Sussex is very exciting for us.”

Chief Inspector Jane Derrick, Arun police district commander, added: “This is the start of something, I think, we can grow over the next couple of years. It’s truly an exciting initiative.”

The scheme sees pairs of volunteers patrol around the town, and assisting in the removal of graffiti, alerting officers to fly-tipping and engaging with young people.

Six of the project’s volunteers went on their first, 30-minute patrol, alongside PCSOs, following the launch at Littlehampton police station.

The project currently covers Littlehampton, Wick, Angmering, Rustington and East Preston.

However, it’s hoped that, if more people come forward, the scheme can be rolled out to help target individual wards. Similar initiatives have been used in Hampshire and the West Midlands.

For information about how to join Street Watch, contact [email protected] or visit Littlehampton police station and ask for Sgt Carolyn Kendall.