Police make eight arrests after series of thefts in Bexhill and Battle

Two Bexhill men aged 20 and 22, along with a 20-year-old man from Battle, were arrested in Bexhill on Monday following reports of shoplifting.

Initially, Shop Watch members in Battle quickly passed information to police using their radios including details of the vehicle the suspects were driving. The three men were discovered to be on their way to Bexhil where they were arrested on suspicion of theft. All three have been bailed until July 4.

Also last Monday, two men from Kent were arrested on suspicion of stealing scrap metal in Bodiam after residents became suspicious of their vehicle and behaviour. The men, aged 20 and 22, have been bailed by police until July 14 for further enquiries to take place.

Meanwhile, three local boys were also arrested that day for damaging and attempting to break into beach huts on West Parade, Bexhill after a call from a local resident who saw them carrying a hammer. The boys, all from Bexhill aged 14, 15 and 16, have been bailed by police until July 7.

A similar spate of beach hut breaks occurred along South Cliff at the end of April, but they are not being linked.

Inspector James Scott said: “These arrests would not have been possible without the public’s help.

“We rely on the communities we serve to keep us informed about suspicious activity and I am so pleased when I hear of arrests that are directly connected to the vigilance of Rother district’s residents.

“The eight people arrested were so brazen about their criminal activity and obviously didn’t expect upstanding members of the community to call us so I thank you for proving them wrong.

“Please keep the calls coming, if you witness suspicious behaviour call 101, if a crime is taking or about to take place please do not hesitate in calling 999.”