Horsham District Councillor: Youngsters are running wild in the town centre

It comes after a Horsham District Councillor said young people were 'running wild' in the town centre.

Lib Dem Christine Costin, Councillor for Trafalgar Ward, said ‘significant numbers’ of youngsters have been reported causing anti-social behaviour.

Mrs Costin implored parents to dissuade their children from taking part in ‘anti-social activity’ and residents to report any incidents to the police.

Posting on Facebook, she said: "Anti-social behaviour in and around town is definitely a real concern.

"[Youngsters have been] running wild in West Street. There have been reports on social media of youngsters behaving badly in town over the last couple days.

"Significant numbers of young people have stormed certain shops grabbing goods and making off with them. Their actions are irresponsible, threatening and unpleasant for other shoppers.

"Apparently the emergency services have been in attendance so the police are probably aware of the culprits.

"Please report incidents to the police and encourage your children NOT to take part in this type of anti-social activity.

"The offenders could face serious repercussions. Ordinary people using the town centre need to feel safe and comfortable.”

Sergeant Al Brodie, of the Horsham Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We are aware of comments on social media in relation to reports of youth disorder in Horsham town centre last weekend.

"These reports include antisocial behaviour and criminal damage committed by a small number of individuals.

"It is imperative that businesses and residents are able to feel safe, and that’s why we will continue to carry out proactive patrols in the town and the surrounding area – and continue to work with partners including schools, the local authority and the local community – to combat antisocial behaviour.

"We understand residents’ concerns but it’s important to note that we cannot be everywhere all of the time, and so we urge the public to remain vigilant and report any incidents or suspicious activity to us online or via 101.

"Please do not report it to us via social media; reporting it via the appropriate channels in a timely manner enables us to take appropriate action, and build up intelligence and allocate resources to address these issues.

"We will continue to enforce the law where offences have been committed, however the public must understand that education remains one of the most essential tools at our disposal. We must work together to make Horsham a safer place for everyone."

Mrs Costin’s post came just hours after Horsham District Council was ‘deeply shocked’ by a fire which wrecked two newly-installed picnic benches in Horsham Park on Monday, April 25.

The blaze happened shortly before 3am on Monday morning in the picnic site near the park’s bandstand and Kaya cafe.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said it believed the fire was started in a ‘deliberate attack’.

READ THIS: Trail of rubbish outside Horsham church leads police to culprit.

Road safety improvements planned near Horsham school.

Look inside: £3,000,000 semi-circle home with pool on the market in Horsham.