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A “prolific shoplifter” has been sentenced after having pled guilty to 21 counts of theft which caused “significant harm” to businesses across East Sussex. Stephen Wood, 33, of no fixed address, had undertaken a number of separate shoplifting incidents and was sentenced to 10 months in prison, along with his suspended sentence which was activated, bringing his total prison time to 34 months. After he was reported for shoplifting, Sussex Police searched for the man and found him hiding in a garden shed after a member of the public called the police. He was arrested and charged with 21 counts […]

If you witness a crime, dial 999! We have been reminded by the police that whenever you witness a crime in progress – even a relatively low-value shop theft – you should call this in on 999. The only exception would be if you have detained a suspect on the premises, in which case, please use 101. The Susses Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne recently said in public: “Sussex Police recognise that theft is a crime that should receive an appropriate response and there is no minimum monetary threshold applied to what will, or will not be, investigated.” When […]

Sussex Police have been working with businesses across the county to take action against those stealing from shops and put measures in place to deter it from happening. Force business crime lead Chris Neilson said: “We will pursue those who persistently target and steal from our local businesses regardless of the value and type of goods.  It is not a victimless crime and impacts on local businesses and their customers. Shop workers who are there to help their customers should not suffer abuse, threats and even assault from those who believe it is acceptable to steal on a regular basis.  We […]

A man who repeatedly stole from shops and cars in Hastings and Bexhill has been banned from the town centre and also from supermarkets across the borough. On Wednesday (7 October) Brighton Magistrates’ Court imposed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) on Scott Starr, 41, of no fixed address, following his conviction for a theft from Marks and Spencer in Hastings in February this year. The new two-year court order means he faces a further sentence of up to five years if he breaches its conditions. The application for the order came from Hastings and Rother Neighbourhood Policing Team officers, who, […]

A notorious shoplifter who repeatedly targeted Marks & Spencers in Hastings is back in court. John Dalton, 51, of Croft Road, Hastings, pleaded guilty to stealing meat worth £35.75, from Tesco at Bexhill, on January 4. He also indicated guilty pleas to stealing three men’s coats worth £177 from Marks and Spencer at Hastings on November 12 and to stealing five men’s coats, worth £295, from the same store on November 6. He indicated guilty pleas to stealing eight men’s coats, worth £540, from Marks and Spencer at Hastings, on November 3 and to stealing three men’s jumpers, worth £90, […]

A local man has been convicted and sentenced to 12 months in prison for having a knife in a public place and stealing spirits worth £138 from a supermarket. Ryan Barrett, 28, of no fixed address, had previously indicated a plea of guilty to being in possession of a knife in a public place, at Bohemia Road, St Leonards, on July 20. He also pleaded guilty to stealing six bottles of Jack Daniels whisky, worth £138, from Morrisons in Queens Road, Hastings, on July 11. In addition, he pled guilty to failing to comply with requirements of the sex offenders […]

Do you recognise this graffiti tagger? He is responsible for dozens of incidents of criminal damage around the town and was recently caught in the act on CCTV. If you have any information please email office@bcrphastings.com. PLAY THE VIDEO BELOW

While executing a drugs warrant in West View, Hastings, in October last year police seized quantities of cannabis, cocaine and cash which led to 19-year-old occupant Jake Wallace being charged with possessing class A and B drugs with intent to supply. On 12 June Wallace, unemployed, appeared at Lewes Crown Court and admitted the offences. He was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £140. An order was made for the forfeiture and destruction of all drugs and drug paraphernalia. On release from jail Wallace will be on the banned list for Bars in […]