Worthing's new beat bobbies

Worthing now has two neighbourhood policing teams, one for the north of the town and one for the south '” separated by the railway line '” and a town centre team.

District Commander, Chief Inspector Russ Whitfield, said: "Our efforts and resources are focused where they matter, into our neighbourhood policing teams.

"Your community's team is responsible for your local police service, from dealing with 999 calls to building long terms initiative which improve quality of life.

"This force has undergone a 'root and branch' review of the way in which we police.

"The results include police stations opening longer, more officers in uniform patrol and a better service for the victims of crime."

Worthing also has its own team of detectives, headed by Detective Inspector Nigel Brown, crime prevention advisors, school liaison officers, licensing officer and support teams.

The restructure has aligned the new policing districts with their local councils, which allows officers to work more closely on initiative such as anti-social drinking legislation.

Inspector Martin Pattenden is in charge of the north policing team, which will be based out of Centenary House in Durrington, and said: "Crime is already on the steady decline in the town and I intend to ensure this trend continues.

"While this will not be easy, we have an excellent team of local officers who are dedicated to reducing crime and disorder.

"These include additional officers who have been re-deployed from support roles, to the front line. I hope to work closely with the people who live and work in our town, to keep them safe and, just as importantly, to make them feel safe."

Inspector Allan Lowe will lead Worthing's south team, based out of Union Place police station.He said: "I will be surrounded by an excellent team of sergeants and constables and we all want to do out utmost to reduce crime in the area we will be policing.

"I hope to use my experience, as sector commander for Worthing, to focus on local priorities and moreover, engage with all levels of the community to make Worthing a safer place to live."

As part of the changes Worthing Police Station in Union Place is now open from 8am to midnight, seven days a week.