POLICE have increased patrols in a city centre road amid increased reports of antisocial behaviour.

Officers from Brighton and Hove Police have stepped up their presence in and around Western Road, Western Terrace and Norfolk Square in an attempt to combat the issue.

The targeted patrols follow an increase of reports made to police by members of the public.

“Your local ward Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) conducted targeted high visibility patrols of Western Road, Western Terrace and Norfolk Square, due to increased reports of anti-social behaviour and antisocial driving,” a police spokesman said.

“We will continue to patrol these areas and others on the Regency ward.

“If we know about it, we can do something about it! If we receive reports of anti-social behaviour or issues in a particular area we can, and will, target our patrols accordingly.

“You can report online or via 101 but in an emergency is it always 999.”

Police also previously have carried out patrols in a Norfolk Square earlier this month.

During the patrol, Police Community Support Officers moved on two people for drinking alcohol in a PSPO (Public Spaces Protection Order) area, which Norfolk Square has in place.

“PSPOs are designed to tackle antisocial behaviour or activities in a specified location which are negatively affecting a community,” a police spokesman said.

“They impose conditions and restrictions on people using a regulated area, and give the police and local authority additional powers to deal with certain activities.

“Please report any antisocial behaviour or suspicious activity to us via 101 or online, but of course in an emergency dial 999.”

Last month, Brighton and Hove Police also carried out seafront foot patrols in St Aubyns, Hove, in a bid to tackle poor behaviour.

Meanwhile, police also increased foot patrols in and around Linden Park in Littlehampton and Preston Park rock gardens in Brighton.