PUBLIC toilets and children’s park equipment have been vandalised, sparking a stern warning from the council.

In light of businesses and residents reporting antisocial behaviour and thefts, Hailsham Town Council has reminded locals of the consequences of letting crime go unreported.

“Unfortunately, while the crime rate in Hailsham remains relatively low in comparison with other areas, there has been an increase in antisocial behaviour in recent months,” a council spokesman said.

The incidents include littering, street drinking and drug use, inappropriate use of vehicles, vandalism, criminal damage, intimidation and excessive noise.

The Argus: Walls graffitied in the North Street public toilet facility Walls graffitied in the North Street public toilet facility

Paint was splattered over children’s play equipment at Western Road Recreation Ground, while walls were graffitied in the North Street public toilet facility.

“Add to that, concerns expressed by residents about an increase in antisocial behaviour incidents and injury to local wildlife at the common pond in Bellbanks Road, from which the council has been working with the local police and urges the public not to misuse the local beauty spot,” the spokesman added.

“Sussex Police has been made aware that the location has been a hotspot for antisocial behaviour and officers continue to patrol the area as often as they can.”

The Argus: Paint splattered over children’s play equipment at Western Road Recreation Ground Paint splattered over children’s play equipment at Western Road Recreation Ground

Hailsham mayor Paul Holbrook said not reporting the incidents can often make matter worse.

"Hailsham has seen a noticeable increase in problems of antisocial behaviour recently,” he said.

“Unless people report these incidents at the time, the local police may assume there is not a problem and resources will not necessarily be allocated accordingly."

Sergeant Gez Neilan, of the Wealden neighbourhood policing team, said antisocial behaviour can have a “serious detrimental impact on local residents, businesses and visitors, both financially and emotionally”.

“We take reports of this nature seriously and will always look at what police activity or powers we can use to address this behaviour,” he said.

"Just recently, the Wealden community police team have secured a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) against one individual who was committing criminal acts in Hailsham town centre.

"He is now banned from the town centre until late 2023."

Sergeant Neilan said police have also identified and dealt with a significant number of young people who have caused antisocial behaviour in the town centre over the past year.

“This has included arrests, charges, court convictions, cautions and community resolution as well as a significant number of police visits to parents regarding the behaviour of their children,” he added.

"We echo the message of the town council in encouraging people to report any incidents to us, so we can respond effectively.

"Every report, no matter how small, helps us paint a picture of what is happening in the local area and enables us to adapt our response accordingly."