Up to 20 youths congregated in Bognor town centre on night district was 'terrorised' by vandalism

Former Littlehampton town councillor Derrick Chester took to Twitter to tell the authorities to ‘wake up’ after multiple incidents were reported in and around Bognor on Monday night.

He wrote on Tuesday morning: “Yet again, last night, Bognor Regis terrorised by mindless vandalism.

“People will be patrolling the streets themselves soon unless the authorities wake up.”

Casey Grainger, who runs Felpham Sailing Club, said its property in Blakes Road was vandalised at 11.45pm.

She said: “We have got CCTV footage of five youths cycle up to the club and park their bikes up against the railings. One of them smashed the glass panel in front of the sailing club.

“A [JCB] digger was parked just outside the club. You can see them pick up stones and walk around it.”

The windows on the digger, on the nearby promenade, were found smashed the next morning.

It was also not the first time the sailing club had been targeted.

“Just after we opened back up in July our new glass panels were smashed,” Casey said. “They were up for a day.

“The same night, someone burned all the bins out. On our balcony, one of our panels was shot with an air rifle.

“Someone has ripped off a cigarette box off the wall and threw a stone at our side window from point black.

“It’s an ongoing thing. It happens constantly and is pretty mindless.”

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said it was investigating the incident.

Anyone with information can report online or call 101, quoting 744 of 24/11.

Casey also said a number of cars were targeted in Felpham, with smashed windows reported.

Meanwhile, further anti-social behaviour was reported in Bognor town centre on Monday.

Police officers responded to a report of between eight and 20 youths congregating shortly before 6pm.

“Words of advice were given to parents of the youths reported to be involved,” the Sussex Police spokesperson said. “Patrols have been increased in the town centre to prevent further gatherings from taking place.”

Bognor Regis BID’s Business Crime Reduction Partnership said it was working closely with the police to identify those responsible.

Manager Mark Halls said: “They are putting appropriate plans in place.

“The community warden, who is funded by the BID and town council, continues to patrol the BID area to monitor business premises that are currently closed.”

These incidents follow an increase in reports of vehicles being broken into in the Arun district. Posting on social media last week, Arun Police said this was a particular issue in Barnham, Eastergate, Arundel, Slindon, Yapton and Walberton.

Have you read?: Arson arrest after blaze in Bognor Regis

Young boy 'grabbed' by man in a car in Bognor Regis

Manhunt for Ford Prison inmate - Call 999 immediately if you see him

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.