Chichester On High Alert After Crime Spike
Police are ramping up patrols in Chichester following a sharp rise in crime and anti-social behaviour.
48-Hour Dispersal Order Imposed
Since Monday, 29 January, reports of trouble have surged. In response, officers have slapped a 48-hour dispersal order on the city centre under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014. The order started at noon on Friday, 2 February, and runs until noon Sunday, 4 February.
This gives police and authorised staff the power to break up anyone causing a nuisance. Those who refuse to comply risk arrest.
Zero Tolerance Stance from Police
Chief Inspector Will Keating-Jones said: “Sussex Police take a zero-tolerance approach to crime and anti-social behaviour. We believe this order is necessary to protect the community due to an increase in offences, predominately committed by young people, over the last week.”
He added: “Our team is fully committed to keeping Chichester city centre residents safe. We urge anyone affected by or witnessing this behaviour to come forward.”
How to Help
- Witnesses or those with any information or footage are asked to contact police online or call 101.
- Quote Operation Ironhide when reporting.
Expect to see police out in force across the town centre this weekend as the crackdown kicks in.
