A boy has been charged with possession of a knife in a public place as part of a crackdown on crime.

Nearly 70 arrests have been made as part of a scheme to crack down on serious crime in Crawley.

In a recent day of action, on February 28, police who were patrolling the area made a number of arrests and stop searches.

The 16-year-old boy was arrested and later charged with possession of a knife in a public place. He is due to appear before Crawley Magistrates’ Court on March 21.

A 23-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of the possession of a Class B drug. He has been released on bail.

There was also a secret shopping operation on the same day.

Three off-licences in the town centre failed and have been referred to the licensing team. 

Superintendent Nick Dias said: “We are keen to work with local organisations and groups to help Sussex Police and our partners in the response to serious and organised crime in Crawley.

“Our priority is to not only keep residents safe but to work with them to increase the effectiveness of the scheme.”