A scheme has been launched to tackle crime and vandalism in a busy shopping centre.

Shopkeepers are increasingly concerned at the damage being caused to stores in Worthing and are demanding tougher action.

Police and council officers have also received complaints about gangs of young people gathering in the town centre who are often drunk and aggressive and cause damage costing hundreds of pounds every month.

The most common incidents are graffiti, the destruction of hanging baskets and flower boxes and damage to parked cars as well as shop windows and doors.

Police patrols are being stepped up in the town centre at busy times and extra checks are being made on drinks licence holders.

Town centre residents say the situation is worse on Friday nights and during the weekends when hundreds of people descend on the town's pubs and nightclubs.

In a recent incident a 13-year-old girl from Worthing was found drunk and alone in Montague Place with no idea where she was.

Police are also stepping up checks on town centre pubs, nightclubs and off-licences to ensure under-age drinkers are not being served.

A police spokesman said: "We are aware there are a number of young people who are visiting clubs and pubs and this is something we are determined to address.

"Apart from breaking the law, we are also concerned about how vulnerable they make themselves to attack.

Trader Mark Jones, who runs a newsagents in Montague Street and is a member of the Worthing Chamber of Commerce, said: "The situation just seems to be getting worse instead of better.

"I am fed up with seeing bottles and cans lying around and I am fed up with coming back to my shop every morning wondering whether it has been damaged by vandals. People here are not feeling secure."

The issue will be highlighted at a public forum organised by Worthing Borough Council to discuss a range of concerns about the town centre and future plans for it.

The forum is being held at the town hall, in Chapel Road, on Wednesday at 7pm.