Environmental crime in Arun

Environmental crime can include a range of anti-social activities that spoil the appearance of the areas in which we live and work.

These activities include:

• Vandalism – deliberate damage to property.
• Fly-tipping – dumping private or commercial waste on private or communal land.
• Littering – deliberately dropping litter in streets and open spaces.
• Graffiti – spray painting or marking property.
• Abandoned vehicles – dumping unwanted vehicles on highway or private land.
• Arson – deliberately setting fire to private, commercial and communal property.

How is Environmental Crime Tackled in Arun?

The Safer Arun Partnership believes that everyone is entitled to live in a clean, green and safe environment. It therefore treats environmental crime as a priority as part of its response to anti-social behaviour.

A clear all graffiti scheme operates so that any reported incidents can be cleaned within three working days of being reported. If the graffiti is offensive it will be cleared within 24 hours.

The partnership agencies are also working with local residents in problem areas to help them clean up their neighbourhoods and encourage them to take responsibility to keep them tidy through community clean ups and schemes such as 'Adopt an Alleyway', as well as education and awareness campaigns around significant seasonal events such as Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Tools and Powers

Sussex Police, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Arun District Council and West Sussex County Council have a range of powers available to them to use in enforcement actions against those causing environmental damage and harm to our communities. In addition to criminal prosecutions for serious offences, enforcement officers can also issue fines, known as Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN), for offences such as littering and dog fouling as an alternative to taking the offence to court.

How can I report an environmental crime?

If you are suffering from environmental crime in your area we want to hear about it. The Safer Arun Partnership agencies are working hard to tackle these types of crime and nuisance, but need your help.

That’s why we have set up a dedicated anti-social behaviour 24-hour answerphone service on 0808 141 2800 (free from UK landlines), email on asb@arun.gov.uk or complete and submit the online reporting form. If you’ve witnessed or experienced environmental crime in your area, one call from you will ensure that whatever’s bothering you will be investigated. YOU can make a difference. By tackling environmental crime together, we can help make where you live, a better place to live

Who else can help with Environmental Crime?

When you make a complaint to Arun’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team about incidents of environmental crime, you may be directed to another service within Arun District Council or to one of our partner agencies. These other agencies may be better placed to advise you or deal with your complaint as they may have more appropriate powers.