AN ORDER has been put in place so police can break up groups of people in a town centre.

This follows a spate of crime in Worthing in the last few days.

A spokesman for Adur and Worthing police said: “A 48-hour dispersal order has been imposed in Worthing town centre following an increase in antisocial behaviour in recent days.

“This will be reviewed and extended if required.

“Anyone caught breaching the terms of this order will be dealt with accordingly.”

A spokesman for Adur and Worthing Councils said: "We are aware of the order and are supporting the police in their efforts."

Dispersal orders were introduced as part of the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003.

They give police additional powers to break up groups of more than two people when they believe the group’s behaviour is causing a nuisance, harassment or distress.

Officers can also move people out of a designated area and stop them returning for up to 24 hours.

When asked for details of the antisocial behaviour, Sussex Police said it would not be giving details of the individual cases.