More than 140 youngsters were stopped by police during a crackdown on antisocial behaviour.

Seven officers patrolled hot spots in the Lewes district and arrested two teenagers last weekend for being drunk and for car crime.

Tackling antisocial behaviour is top of the agenda for a new police chief.

Bob Gough has taken up the post of police commander for Lewes district and believes the fight will ultimately improve community relations.

The chief inspector, based at Newhaven police station, said: "Although Lewes district is a safe place to live and work, there has been a rise in crime and antisocial behaviour this year.

"I aim to reduce this trend with positive action against criminals and by increasing police visibility across the district.

"There are lots of positive things happening and I look forward to building on recent successes with the support of the community."

Mr Gough said: "Dealing with issues which affect people's quality of life is really important to me here in Lewes.

"I want to listen to people's concerns and put all available resources at the problems in our neighbourhoods."

Mr Gough said he wanted to continue building partnerships and developing community relationships which were started by his predecessor, Chief Inspector Jim Taylor, who has moved to Brighton and Hove to become the division's planning manager.

Mr Gough joined Sussex Police in 1977 and spent eight years working in Brighton, responding to 999 calls and working in the drugs squad.

He was promoted to sergeant and worked on patrol and in the force's policy unit at headquarters in Lewes.

A Masters graduate in business administration, Mr Gough moved to Eastbourne where he spent two years policing the town before being promoted to inspector at Brighton.

In 1999 he was promoted to chief inspector in the communications department and more recently as a senior officer in the Criminal Justice Department, spearheading a programme of integration with the Crown Prosecution Service.

Mr Gough, who is married and has two teenage daughters, lives in Lewes district and enjoys sailing and watching football.