POLICE have carried out patrols in antisocial behaviour “hot spots” in a town centre.

Officers from Arun Police local neighbourhood policing team were deployed into the town centre and surrounding areas across bank holiday weekend.

Police said they carried out high-visibility patrols in antisocial behaviour “hot spots” and engaged with the local community and businesses.

“Patrols were conducted late into the evenings around antisocial behaviour hotspots, including Hotham Park, the train station and the town centre, where we engaged with multiple members of the public and local businesses,” a police spokesman said.

“During the shift, officers dealt with youth antisocial behaviour around Station Road with the circumstances resulting in stop searches being carried out in relation to offences of criminal damage and suspected theft.

“However, no unlawful or prohibited articles were located.”

High-visibility patrols are due to continue, police said.

Earlier this week, police conducted patrols on the beach following a spate of beach hut break-ins.

After reports of concern from the public, officers from Adur and Worthing Police neighbourhood policing team conducted patrols on Sunday and Monday in Shoreham and the surrounding areas, and through to Widewater Lagoon in Lancing.

Last week, police conducted patrols in the grounds of St John's Parish Church in Copthorne after reports of antisocial behaviour.

Meanwhile, Adur and Worthing Police conducted a foot patrol in Buckingham Park, Shoreham, in an attempt to provide “re-assurance and crime prevention advice to members of the public”.