A GROUP of youths embarked on a vandalism spree in a crime-troubled town damaging shop and house windows.

The yobs, who were wearing dark clothing and hooded jackets, were seen throwing bricks

at shop fronts in the Peaceheaven and Telscombe Cliffs area during the early hours of Tuesday.

The spate of damage comes

after residents had already raised concerns about the level of crime and vandalism in Peacehaven, which they feel is not being addressed.

A resident living nearby who wished to remain anonymous said: “There was trouble at the Co-op and they were definitely throwing and smashing bottles outside Sainsbury’s too.

“No one seems to be doing

anything to stop vandalism here.

“From what I could see it was the same group of people

walking around together doing this.

“The security at the Co-op clearly isn’t very good.

“Since we raised the issue about a lack of police here nothing has changed.

“It is not acceptable especially to be causing so many problems during the middle of the

night.”

The group is believed to have been responsible for three incidents involving criminal damage – a window broken

at a house in The Promenade, Peacehaven, a window cracked at the Co-op store in South

Coast Road, Peacehaven, and windows smashed at The Tesco store in Kirby Drive, Telscombe Cliffs.

The offences occurred between midnight and 1.20am and in each case bricks were thrown but no attempt was made to enter any of the properties.

Police units were deployed and the area was searched for the group but they could not be traced.

Peacehaven residents said they feel vulnerable in their own community after the police station closed in September last year.

It is currently being demolished.

District police commander chief inspector Emma Brice

has assured residents that

police are alert to crimes that may affect the coastal community.

She said: “We are aware of anti-social behaviour issues in Peacehaven and each call will be responded to according to threat, harm and risk.”

Speaking on the issue of anti-social behaviour, a town council spokesman said: “Peacehaven Town Council is working exceptionally hard to support residents behind the scenes. Uniformed services have recently signed a partnership agreement with the council and police now share our office space.

“We will always support prosecution, where there is evidence to do so.

“We want Peacehaven to continue to be a lovely place for residents to live in.”