The number of police community support officers (CSOs) for West Downs Division has trebled.

With a total complement of 15, the officers will now be deployed in Adur and Arun for the first time.

There will also be additional officers for Worthing and Chichester.

Three will be stationed in Adur, three in Bognor, two in Littlehampton and another two in Worthing and Chichester, bringing Worthing district's total to four and Chichester's to three.

Chief Superintendent Graham Walter, West Downs Divisional Commander, said: "CSOs have made a valuable contribution to policing the division and providing public reassurance.

"I welcome the additional officers, who will enhance the uniform street visibility necessary to make West Downs Division an even safer place to be and to deliver the necessary reassurance to the community to reduce the fear of crime.

"Combined with our existing police patrol strength, they will provide the numbers necessary to prevent lowerlevel crime and to tackle anti-social behaviour and many other quality of life issues that are so important to our communities well-being.

"Responsive to local need, CSOs provide a recognisable and knowledgeable local presence capable of building public confidence.

"Police control means CSOs are directed and led by intelligence.

"This helps us target their deployment and release police officers to engage in those activities where their full range of powers, experience and capability can be most effectively deployed.

"CSOs will now become a resource available to district commanders throughout West Downs, who can use them to solve problems and retain visibility."