Eastbourne Shoplifter Jailed Following Targeted Police Operation

A targeted policing operation in Eastbourne has led to a prolific shoplifter being jailed.

Ben Tullett, 30, of Pevensey Road, Eastbourne, was sentenced to 15 months in prison after admitting 13 shoplifting offences at Lewes Crown Court.

A further 27 offences were taken into consideration.

His offending targeted multiple stores across Eastbourne and Polegate, including repeated thefts from Co-Op, Morrisons and Hobbycraft.

The case formed part of Operation Apprentice, which focuses on identifying and prosecuting persistent retail offenders.

Chief Inspector Kara Tombling said shoplifting is not a victimless crime and praised the work being done with businesses to tackle repeat offending.

She said detection rates in Eastbourne have increased by 20% over the past year, with officers continuing to target the most prolific offenders.