A crackdown on crime and antisocial behaviour was launched today.

Police and other agencies held a high profile day of action on the seafront in Hove and in the town centre.

Officers mounted rolling road checks with DVLA inspectors to catch drivers of untaxed vehicles.

Motorists were stopped throughout the day on the seafront, in Western Road and in Church Road.

Those without a valid tax disc faced on-the-spot fines or having their vehicles clamped and removed.

At the same time Brighton and Hove City Council environmental officers and City Clean workers toured the streets looking for graffiti.

Offensive slogans were removed from walls and street furniture in a bid to clean up the area.

Police and council travellers liaison officers also spoke to travellers who are living in camper vans near the King Alfred.

Officers in high visibility jackets patrolled George Street which has seen a recent increase in bag snatches.

The operation continued as The Argus went to press last night with problems at the new Hove lagoon skate park being targeted.

Sergeant Darren Egan said: "Local action team groups, including residents, have identified a number of local problems.

"They include untaxed and abandoned cars, graffiti, cycling on the promenade and youth problems.

"There have also been complaints about low level dealing of cannabis and behaviour at the skate park.

"The police and other agencies are using the high visibility day of action to help address those concerns.

"Two of our officers have been equipped with cameras in their helmets.

"We are trialling them at the moment and they will be used to record incidents and may be used to provide evidence in court."