Council speaks out over teen gangs running amok in Southwater

Reports of teenagers creating havoc in Southwater by behaving like ‘wild animals’ have led to action by the parish council.
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It is calling on villagers to make sure they report any incidents of antisocial behaviour to Sussex Police.

Residents say groups of teenagers have been running amok for some time. Destructive behaviour has seen gangs of teens taking drugs, damaging cars, vandalising property in Southwater Country Park, setting fire to the village skatepark and throwing stones at vehicles.

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Residents have frequently been intimidated while shopping in Lintot Square.

Lintot Square, SouthwaterLintot Square, Southwater
Lintot Square, Southwater

Now Southwater Parish Council has put out a statement on the situation. It says: “Southwater Parish Council are aware of the recent incidents of antisocial behaviour and criminal damage that have occurred in the village.

“SPC would like to assure residents that the council and our neighbourhood wardens are in regular contact with Sussex Police and Horsham District Council who have been made fully aware of our concerns.

“Our neighbourhood wardens have and will continue to collate all information they can concerning these and other incidents which they pass in a timely fashion to Sussex Police.

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“Our wardens also take action when they can and assist the police in their continued investigation.

“Please do report any incidents should you witness them to Sussex Police to enable the police to take action against those responsible for this antisocial behaviour.

“In an emergency, please dial 999.

“For all other incidents please contact Sussex Police by dialling 101.”

Sergeant Alistair Brodie, of the Adur, Worthing and Horsham Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are aware of the ongoing antisocial behaviour issues involving youths in Southwater, which we appreciate can cause distress to local residents.

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“Working with our colleagues across the district, we are taking steps to prevent and detect any offences.

“This includes responding to incidents and carrying out high visibility patrols in the area to offer community reassurance.

“Where individuals are identified for particular offences, we will speak to them to give strong words of advice, or take further action if appropriate.

“We would urge the local community to remain vigilant, and continue to report any incidents of antisocial behaviour – or any other crime – to us.”

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Southwater is not the only area affected by antisocial behaviour in the district and Sussex Chief Constable Jo Shiner has written to parents across the county in a letter sent to schools to pass on. She warned that officers were seeing persistent examples of Covid restrictions being flouted in various ‘hot spots.’

She asked parents: ‘Do you know where your son or daughter spends their time?’