Police grilled over Sidley presence

Crowds packed the Sidley Sports and Social Club to quiz Bexhill Inspector Dick Coates and Sergeant Matt Brooks on what can be done about the graffiti, vandalism and intimidation they say is rife in the area.

Inspector Coates promised further action and even suggested a curfew maybe imposed on youths who regularly intimidate residents.

Such a step would enable police to "move on" large groups regardless of whether they are committing a criminal offence.

The meeting was arranged by the Sidley Residents Association - previously the Glovers Lane Residents Association - recently expanded on the strength of public feeling.

The revelation about a possible curfew came after a concerned member of the public spoke of feeling threatened and intimidated by large groups of youths as she walked to the shops at night.

Inspector Coates replied: "It's difficult to move people on unless if they are not actually doing anything.

"We need to look into the facts and gain evidence to maybe gain a dispersal order from the Superintendent.

"We need a reason to move them, but with a dispersal order we don't have to."

He was also keen to point out the use of anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) will be of great benefit to Sidley, as members of the audience asked what could be done against persistent offenders.

He said: "It's pointless us keep putting people before the court and seeing them walk away. I think the way forward is ASBOs as well as going for custodial sentences.

"We have got some coming through where we can ban people completely from Bexhill, but it does take a little bit of time to get them.

"There are probably six or seven main people in Sidley who cause chaos. Once we have got those and got them out of Bexhill I think we will see a decrease in crime."

Both Inspector Coates and Sergeant Brooks were keen to point out residents could provide evidence to assist the police in securing ASBO's, through reporting incidents to the station and Community Support Officers (CSOs).

The Inspector said the CSOs will have a visible presence in the village and, where resources allow, the police CCTV van will also be used to combat crime.

He also assured the concerned crowd Sidley is a "priority" for Bexhill police and officers with "down-time" are encouraged to patrol the area.

It was revealed a series of high-visibilty operations to discourage crime will be continuing, as well as a "truancy sweep" during October.

Inspector Coates added: "Things seem to have got better in the last few weeks, but we will keep the pressure up. We won't rest on our laurels and we're going to keep going."