POLICE raided addresses as part of a clampdown on drugs gangs, knife related crime and antisocial behaviour.

Officers executed warrants across Worthing and West Sussex today.

It follows the arrival of new Chief Constable Jo Shiner who wants the force to be more proactive in the fight against crime.

She visited Southwick to speak with residents along with Chief Inspector Nick Bowman and Sergeant Scott Walters after growing concerns were raised about low level crimes.

The Argus:

Chief Inspector Bowman said concerns have been raised in West Sussex about antisocial behaviour in recent weeks.

It includes 15 arrests of youths in Shoreham earlier this month where a woman police officer was attacked amid a large gathering.

Read more on The Argus: Watch - Youths attack police in night of disorder in Shoreham

Chief Insp Bowman said: "This behaviour, and the violence towards police officers going about their duty, is totally unacceptable and we are appealing for any independent witnesses to come forward.

"Fortunately, our officers did not suffer any serious injuries in the incident, but we will not tolerate attacks such as this on emergency workers.

The Argus:

Mr Bowman said he does not want young people to be drawn into crime and antisocial behaviour, as a criminal record can damage their future.

He said: “We are trying to suppress knife crime. We have not got more of a problem here than anywhere else, but we have seen some antisocial behaviour and sometimes that can increase to other more serious crimes.

“With young people we want to engage with them, to say that if you are carrying a knife or weapon, there are serious consequences for their future and their safety.”

Read more on The Argus: Fights break out as youths gather at Hove Lawns

His message was backed up by the Chief Constable, who said increasing Sussex Police’s visibility was important to reassure people but also show the force is there to respond to their concerns.

She said: “It is really important for us to engage with children and young people. We have to have the conversations and it makes all the difference.

The Argus:

“Young people need to make the right decisions. The last thing we want is to criminalise them, but young people don’t necessarily consider the implications of their behaviour and choices.”

Ms Shiner, who took over as chief earlier this month, has set up new tactical enforcement units to get tough on criminals and smash drugs gangs.