Police commander on patrol at Pebsham

And, together with Inspector Dick Coates, head of the Bexhill Neighbourhood Policing Team, he has been instrumental in catching a suspect following the smashing of a van window.

The Observer told last week how Inspector Coates had obtained a Dispersal Order covering 30 Sidley streets following an outbreak of anti-social behaviour in the two districts which included a van being overturned by youths at Pebsham.

Inspector Coates said on Monday: "This shows how serious police are taking the matter when you have the district commander for Rother on patrol in the area ...

"Police have patrolled Pebsham robustly over the weekend with a marked decrease on incidents."

Inspector Coates has sent letters to the parents of 12 youths in the area advising them of their children's behaviour and warning them that if the problem persists action would be taken under Anti-Social Behaviour laws.

He has also patrolled the area and spoken in person to many of the youths causing a problem.

He said: "One anti-social behaviour contract has been signed and two more are in the pipeline."

He said there had also been heightened patrols by police officers and Police Community Support Officers over the weekend.

On Friday night a youth was arrested after breaking the window of a van behind the shops in Seabourne Road.

Chief Inspector Carden and Inspector Coates, on patrol in the area, came across the aggrieved vehicle owner seconds after the offence had been committed.

Inspector Coates said: "An area search by the officers located the person responsible and he is being dealt with in conjunction with the youth offending team after admitting the offence."