Chichester MP speaks out after spate of vandalism - Council 'appalled' by anti-Semitic playground graffiti

MP Gillian Keegan has spoken out following a spate of anti-social behaviour in the Chichester district.

It comes as anti-Semitic graffiti at a children’s playground in Selsey left councillors ‘mortified’.

The ‘hate crime’ was one of a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour and vandalism in Selsey over the Easter weekend.

Vandals also targeted a new health and wellness centre in Chichester. Read more here

Mrs Keegan said: “People have gone above and beyond for their communities this year, which makes these senseless acts of vandalism even harder to bear.

“I’ve written to our district commander at Sussex Police, Jon Carter, to ensure he is personally aware of what has happened in Chichester and Selsey, and to better understand the wider strategies being employed locally to tackle this sort of criminal behaviour.”

Sussex Police confirmed officers are ‘looking into’ the reports of vandalism.

Inspector Sharon Sawyer, of the Arun and Chichester neighbourhood policing team, said: “Our local PCSOs, along with the community wardens from Chichester District Council, regularly patrol the town, identifying and dealing with any suspicious activity.

"We would encourage anybody to report vandalism (criminal damage) to the police.

"If you witness it happening and the offenders are still present, you can call 999. Otherwise please contact 101 or report online. We look at all reports to identify trends to allocate our resources.”

Selsey Town council said it was working with the police and community warden on joint youth initiative programmes to ‘stop the anti-social behaviour of a small group of young people’, who are ‘intent on spoiling residents’ enjoyment of the beauty and tranquillity’ of Selsey.

“We take pride in the fact that Selsey is a culturally diverse, inclusive and close knit community, a spokesperson said.

"We are appalled by the ongoing incidences over the Easter weekend and the damage caused to local businesses especially during these Covid times.

"We are mortified in particular with the anti-Semitic nature of yesterday’s graffiti in our wheelchair inclusive playground.

“Following ongoing conversations with the police they are dealing with this as a ‘hate’ crime and are thoroughly investigating all other incidences over the weekend.”

Information can be reported to police online or call 101 quoting 662 of 06/04.

The council said it was in talks with the police to update and expand CCTV in Selsey, this year.

Chichester District Council said it was ‘saddened to hear about the recent vandalism’, adding: “Our community warden patrols the town centre and beach areas regularly and reports any crime or suspicious activity.”