A village has been hit by a rise in crime with more than 100 incidents reported in three months.

Data from Sussex Police from October 2023 to January 2024 shows 52 antisocial behaviour incidents in Barnham and Eastergate were reported.

There were also 15 incidents reported to police relating to violent crime, with five being assault without injury.

In the three months which were calculated, there a further 64 reports of shoplifting incidents.

Sussex Police are working with partners to help tackle the rise in Barnham and surrounding villages.

Police were called to a burglary at the Co-Op in The Square, Barnham, at about 9pm on February 11 this year.

After uploading a media appeal, a suspect was identified and the investigation is ongoing.

A spokesman for the force said: “A number of young people have been interviewed under caution last month following linked anti-social behaviour and shoplifting reports.”

Four shoplifting incidents were reported at the same Co-op between January 23 and March 2 this year.

A 14-year-old boy from Yapton, near Littlehampton, has been charged with four counts of shoplifting and one count of assault by beating.

He has been released on conditional bail and is due to appear at Worthing Youth Court on May 9.

A 15-year-old boy from Arundel admitted to possession of a knife, possession of cannabis and theft from a shop.

He will be referred to the Youth Offending Service and has been released on conditional bail while this takes place.

All further five shoplifting incidents were reported at Co-op, The Square, between October 30 and January 23.

A 15-year-old boy from Yapton has been charged with five counts of shoplifting.

He has been released on conditional bail and is due to appear at court on May 9.

There are also rail enforcement officers which are deployed to Barnham train station six evenings a week to prevent and deter crime.

Detective Sergeant Lou Baileff said: “I really encourage anyone to report anti-social behaviour and any criminal activity.

“We need to know what is happening, where and when. We need to tackle this head-on and will have the resources to do so.”