POLICE are conducting high visibility patrols amid a rise in antisocial behaviour in a park.

After reports of concern regarding criminal activity in and around Buckingham Park in Shoreham, police carried out foot patrols in the area on Friday afternoon.

Officers spoke with local residents about their concerns in the hope of resolving the issue.

An Adur and Worthing Police spokesman said: “Officers conducted a foot patrol in Buckingham Park, Shoreham, providing re-assurance and crime prevention advice to members of the public.”

Police said the increased patrols following a spate of antisocial behaviour and disorder reports within the local community.

“We are aware of these issues and urge the public to make the necessary reports to us via 101 or in an emergency call 999,” the police spokesman added.

Earlier this week, police increased their presence in “hot spots” around Bognor after concerns of antisocial behaviour in recent days.

Chief Inspector Nick Bowman, District Commander for Arun and Chichester, said the local community had raised the concerns.

“I’d like to reassure the public that we are aware of community concerns in relation to youth disorder and antisocial behaviour in the town over the past few days,” he said.

“We have listened to these concerns and increased police activity in hot spots areas including the seafront and Hotham Park.”

Meanwhile, police conducted high visibility patrols in Northgate and West Green Park, Crawley, earlier this month amid a rise in antisocial behaviour.