Police are stepping up foot patrols in Steyning after villagers complained they were being plagued by yobs.

Rowdy teenagers launched graffiti attacks on private property over the summer.

Steyning police sector commander Martin Walker said: "Steyning is one of the safest areas in Sussex in terms of crime per head of population but the fear of crime is disproportionate to the level of crime in the area.

"We are also aware there is a lack of police visibility. We did a survey in August and 93 per cent of people rarely or never saw a police officer and 100 per cent never saw one on foot."

Commander Walker said they had already launched a mountain bike patrol which had so far been a success.

They are also planning to launch a mobile police station in November along with West Sussex Fire Brigade and Horsham District Council.