MP Calls for Urgent Action on Anti-Social Behaviour After Theatre Cast Targeted

MP raises concerns in Parliament

Chichester MP Jess Brown-Fuller has called for urgent action to strengthen community policing following recent incidents of anti-social behaviour in the city. She raised the issue in Parliament after cast members of A Midsummer Night's Dream experienced anti-social behaviour during a performance in Chichester.

Ms Brown-Fuller said: "Like so many people across Chichester, I have been incredibly saddened to hear about the experiences of the cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream while performing in our city. Following the original incident, I called for a cross-agency approach to tackle the spate of anti-social behaviour we are seeing in Chichester."

Concerns over police visibility

The MP highlighted ongoing concerns about the lack of visible policing in the area. She attributed this to years of cuts to officer numbers and police desks under the previous Conservative government.

Ms Brown-Fuller said: "Our police officers are diligent, dedicated and highly trained, but they have been undermined by years of cuts that have stretched resources and reduced their ability to maintain a visible presence in our communities."

She also stressed the particular challenges faced by rural communities, where officers often cover large areas with limited resources.

Calls for coordinated response

Ms Brown-Fuller emphasised the need to improve crime reporting rates by making it easier for residents to report incidents and ensuring police officers have the information they need to respond effectively.

During the debate, she called for a coordinated response involving police, local authorities and other agencies to address anti-social behaviour. She said: "The Labour government needs to get to grips with community policing and ensure our frontline officers have the resources, support and time they need to get out onto our streets, engage with residents and tackle the anti-social behaviour that is causing so much concern across Chichester."

Ms Brown-Fuller concluded: "Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community, and I will continue to push the government to ensure Chichester and the surrounding area gets the policing support it needs."

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