A SPIKE in antisocial behaviour has prompted emergency patrols on a beach.

Enforcement officers will monitor the area between Widewater Lagoon in Lancing and Shoreham Fort car park – and can hand out £80 fines to rulebreakers.

An increase in visitors has driven a rise in barbecues, which are banned on the stretch of beach, as well as dog fouling, littering, and general antisocial behaviour.

Councillor Emma Evans, Adur District Council’s lead member for environment and leisure, said: “Those who litter or allow their dogs to foul without picking up are on warning - we will not let you spoil our beach without facing the consequences.

“A small minority of people behave irresponsibly by littering or lighting up barbecues and spoil it for the rest.

“We don’t want to be too heavy handed and often the patrols will advise visitors.

“We do want to welcome visitors and residents alike to our seafront and of course Shoreham Beach has always been popular.”

Officers will also tackle unlicensed drone use in the area, as well as horse riders, cyclists, and scooter users who do not stick to the rules on the beach.

Patrols began last week and will run until September 25.

It is not the first time patrols have been seen in Shoreham due to antisocial behaviour, as police ramped up the number of officers in the area in May.

Officers from Adur and Worthing Police stepped up their presence in and around Ferry Road following reports of concern from members of the public.

Earlier in May police carried out patrols in antisocial behaviour “hot spots” in Arundel town centre over fears sparked by the bank holiday weekend.

Police said at the time they carried out high-visibility patrols and engaged with the community and businesses in the area.