Anti-social behaviour is cause for concern in village outside Petworth - Police taking reports seriously

Police have been conducting patrols in Northchapel following reports of anti-social behaviour in the community.
DM2090512a.jpg. Northchapel anti-social behaviour. Sharon Holden, chair of Northchapel Parish Council. Photo by Derek Martin Photography SUS-200915-184104008DM2090512a.jpg. Northchapel anti-social behaviour. Sharon Holden, chair of Northchapel Parish Council. Photo by Derek Martin Photography SUS-200915-184104008
DM2090512a.jpg. Northchapel anti-social behaviour. Sharon Holden, chair of Northchapel Parish Council. Photo by Derek Martin Photography SUS-200915-184104008

Allegations of people ‘causing a nuisance’, evidence of drug use, breaking-in and trespassing on private property and land and fires being lit prompted action from Sussex Police.

Police said they have received three reports of anti-social behaviour in the village over the last three months.

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Sharon Holden, chairman of Northchapel Parish Council, said these reports were in relation to trespassing.

DM2090500a.jpg. Northchapel anti-social behaviour. Sharon Holden, chair of Northchapel Parish Council. Photo by Derek Martin Photography SUS-200915-184043008DM2090500a.jpg. Northchapel anti-social behaviour. Sharon Holden, chair of Northchapel Parish Council. Photo by Derek Martin Photography SUS-200915-184043008
DM2090500a.jpg. Northchapel anti-social behaviour. Sharon Holden, chair of Northchapel Parish Council. Photo by Derek Martin Photography SUS-200915-184043008

She said: “It started happening during lockdown. Residents have twice reported that a group of youths had climbed over secure fencing into the children’s playing area. The police have visited and put tape around it.

“It was also reported late on a Sunday night that there was a fire in what we call the Glebelands. Myself and the church warden were asked if something could be done. It’s an area that no one should be in.”

However, not every incident is being reported, Ms Holden claimed. Windows have allegedly been smashed in old cottages, whilst youths have been seen ‘hanging around the village hall’ and woodlands late at night.

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“All these incidents need to be reported,” Ms Holden said. “If it’s not, police will think everything is quiet in Northchapel when it’s often not. This has been going on for weeks. We have CCTV footage but they are not clear enough. There’s a lot of concern about the drugs.

“Hopefully someone is able to recognise those responsible so we can get it stopped. We wan’t people to know that we are aware of it and are doing what we can.”

Sussex Police said its officers take reports of anti-social behaviour seriously.

A spokesperson said: “We would urge residents to report any crime and disorder concerns they may have online or by calling 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.”

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