A new police chief has taken charge of Hove and Shoreham with a promise to crack down on antisocial behaviour.

In his first interview since moving into his Hove-based hot seat, Superintendent Graham Cox unveiled a harder approach to aggressive begging, hooliganism and vandalism.

He said: "We are sending out a clear message that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour.

"These problems cause too much upset with residents and visitors."

More high-profile patrols are planned at trouble spots, including Southwick Square, Shoreham High Street, and Hove's Blatchington Road, George Street, Western Road and Church Road.

Supt Cox said: "We need more officers to do the job effectively, and I welcome the latest recruitment drive.

"We will take as many new officers as we possibly can."

He asks the public for patience, adding that it will take time for the recruits to be fully trained.

But the tougher approach may be visible before the recruits arrive.

Supt Cox wants existing beat officers to take a much more pro-active approach to local policing.

He said: "Every time we just walk past someone who is acting in an antisocial manner, we are saying it's okay to behave like that.

"I am not saying we should interview or arrest them, but we should stop and talk to them, maybe tell them to move on or to go home.

"We shouldn't just walk by and ignore people committing these offences."

Supt Cox was born in Portslade and now lives in Hove with his family.

He said: "I care very deeply about what happens around here."

Supt Cox started his career as a PC with Sussex Police in Lewes in 1981.

He moved on to become a detective, working in Hove and Brighton.

After a stint as Superintendent in charge of the force's discipline and complaints department, he moved to Gatwick as divisional commander before taking charge of Hove and Shoreham.

He paid tribute to his predecessor, Supt Kit Bentham, whose tenure saw a significant drop in crime, especially burglaries.

Supt Cox wants to cut crime further: "I am delighted to be back in Hove and Shoreham.

"I come to this job convinced that we can make a difference.

"We will be trying to reduce crime by going after the small number of offenders who commit most of the crimes.

"And we will be taking a harder line on anti-social behaviour."