Police act fast to stop night of mayhem in Bognor's woods

The increased patrols around the Middleton ensured the potential for yobbery by up to 200 youths fuelled by excessive drinking was avoided.

Police community support officer Clive Morge said the operation had been a success in ensuring calm in the neighbourhood and with no damage caused.

"Although locally, rowdy behaviour was experienced, there have been no reports of criminal damage normally experienced during this type of activity," he said.

"The litter and broken glass usually left and the possibility of fires in the woods have all been prevented. The minimum amount of police officers had been involved."

A tip-off alerted the police to a Facebook site welcoming teenagers to an end-of-term party in the woods in Elmer last Wednesday.

"The advert encouraged attendees to bring alcohol and anything else that would help them to enjoy themselves all for a night of mayhem," said PCSO Morge.

"While no-one likes to deny anyone from enjoying themselves, particularly at the end of term, this activity is '“ of course '“ deemed inappropriate.

"Initial indications were around 100 were attending. However, as time progressed, estimates reached 200."

The area's neighbourhood patrol team of four PCSOs patrolled Elmer Road that evening and soon found several groups of teenagers intent on ignoring the wet weather and attending the event.

They were advised to go home rather than trespass on private land in the woods.

More teenagers were encountered as darkness fell. Dusk saw the police team go into the woods to find eight youths at the planned party site. All were under 18 and their alcohol was confiscated.

They left when spoken to by the police. It was obvious the site had been used before, said PCSO Morge.

"Rubbish and broken glass have been left and fires started and all this within a few metres of local properties," he stated.

Further patrols found a group of 60 youths had gathered in Shrubbs Field.

PCSO Morge explained: "They were all advised to move away from the area and to break up into smaller groups, which they did."

The neighbourhood team handed over to the police's response team as the night continued.

Officers then attended Shrubbs Drive car park because about 20 teenagers were causing a disturbance.

The police action was part of the long-running Operation Respect to tackle anti-social behaviour usually caused by drinking.

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