Concerns over ‘wild animal’ teenage gangs causing havoc in Southwater

People in Southwater are growing increasingly concerned about groups of teenagers causing havoc in the village.
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The youngsters are reported to be breaking Covid restrictions by gathering together in large groups and intimidating shoppers in Lintot Square.

In one incident last night outside the square’s Co-op store, a group of around 15 teens were reported to be swearing, talking about drugs and blowing smoke into people’s faces.

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They were then said to have entered the shop without wearing masks and to have behaved ‘like wild animals.’

The Co-op in Lintot Square, SouthwaterThe Co-op in Lintot Square, Southwater
The Co-op in Lintot Square, Southwater

Last week there were reports of teenagers throwing snowballs at elderly people at the village doctors’ surgery.

And there were fears they would cause an accident after snowbballs were thrown at the windscreens of passing cars.

Now villagers are calling for police and council action.

One said: “The feeling of this community is that there is a problem with anti social behaviour from the gangs that walk our streets.”

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Meanwhile 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?’

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.

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

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“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.”

Find out what antisocial behaviour is and what you can do about it here: https://www.sussex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/asb/asb/antisocial-behaviour/