Police have launched a summer crackdown on antisocial yobs who use seafront parks as a hang-out to drink booze.
Officers swooped on the green at the bottom of Aldsworth Avenue, Goring, Worthing, last weekend and seized a "significant" amount of drink from youths aged under 18.
If follows a summer of discontent last year in the Goring Gap area which sparked a series of complaints from residents who were fed up with the youngsters' drunken antics.
Among the complaints that have been aired are youths urinating over the area, leaving large amounts of litter, causing vandalism and grafitti and throwing stones at windows.
John O'Connell, 56, from Aldsworth Avenue, said: "They have caused a lot of the residents sleepless nights and a lot of stress and worry.
"We don't want to put up with it any more and the police should nip this in the bud before the summer starts."
People have grown so angry with antisocial yobs running amok in the area they formed a group specifically designed to tackle them.
Inspector Howard Hodges, from Worthing police, said: "I want to make it clear that meeting with friends in this area in a sensible and appropriate manner is not a problem.
"What is unacceptable, and will not be tolerated, is under age drinking, noise and anti-social behaviour.
"My team will be visiting the location on a regular basis and will not only seize alcohol but also report those found there to their parents including, where necessary, taking them home."
Police are warning shopkeepers in the area to beware of selling alcohol to children.
Officers have also warned parents to keep an eye on youngsters and urged them to try to be aware of where they are going and with whom.
Insp Hodges said: "To local retailers, I would remind them they are committing offences by selling alcohol to those under age and the law will be rigorously enforced and investigated on each and every occasion, utilising a variety of tactics and legislative options.
"I would ask the parents of young people attending this location to please encourage your children to behave, and be aware the area has a reputation for under age drinking and antisocial behaviour which will be robustly targeted by Sussex Police.
"Please do not provide your children with alcohol to take out with them. When drunk young people are more likely to be involved in crime, either as an offender or a victim."
Do you have problems with gangs of young people congregating in your area? Leave your comments below.
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