Police use new dispersal powers

Troublemakers were told to move on and arrests were made.

On Friday officers and Police Community Support Officers patrolled the area on foot and in vehicles. One person was arrested for damage to the wing mirror of a motor vehicle.

On Saturday officers on foot and on cycles patrolled the area. About 7pm a youth was arrested in St Leonards Road for a public order offence.

Inspector Dick Coates said: "He was shouting and swearing in the area and was told to stop by police. He continued so was arrested. He was dealt with via the new fixed penalty system and fined 80.

"A 16-year-old youth was arrested about 8pm on suspicion of having a controlled drug on him namely cannabis. He was dealt with by a reprimand at Hastings custody centre.

"Shortly before 11pm a male was arrested in Sackville Road after the Pound Shop in Western Road was burgled. The male who was the worse for drink was detained after a call from a member of the public.

"Due to increased presence in the town officers were on the scene within a minute and quickly made the arrest.

"At least 14 people were dispersed on Saturday night from the area.

"It will take time for the full impact of the dispersal order to take effect."

The latest police action comes in the wake of a series of complaints from residents in the Eversley Road area about anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Coates said: "Sergeant Richard Scott has worked with private landlords in the Eversley Road area and a number of troublesome tenants have been removed.

"Police will keep up the pressure in the area and residents should see the full benefit in the area in the coming weeks.

"They have to bear in mind that this is a town centre area. There will be noise and shouting at times from people enjoying themselves.

"I do not intend to put a damper on people enjoying themselves in the town centre area or try to effect the economy by being over zealous with the dispersal order.

"It is in place to target those people who act in an anti-social manner and commit crimes of theft and damage.