Four Prolific West Sussex Shoplifters Jailed Following Crackdown

Four prolific shoplifters in West Sussex have been jailed following a targeted crackdown on repeat offenders.

Officers across the county have been working as part of Operation Apprentice alongside partners including the Business Crime Reduction Partnership, retailers and local authorities to tackle shop theft and support businesses.

In recent weeks the operation has resulted in significant custodial sentences for four offenders.

On 23 February, Ryan Breach, 36, of no fixed address, appeared at Lewes Crown Court where he admitted 13 shop thefts and eight breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order.

His offences took place between October and December last year, when he repeatedly targeted a Co-op store in Rowlands Road, Worthing, along with other nearby shops.

Among the items stolen were medicine worth £205 from Savers in Montague Street on 3 November, protein powder from Holland & Barrett in Montague Street on 25 October, and Lego products worth £360 from Morrisons in Newland Street on 17 November.

Breach was jailed for 16 months.

Alex Nash, 33, of Lyon Street West in Bognor Regis, appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on 20 February where he admitted 22 shop thefts, 12 breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order, and possession of Class B and Class C drugs.

His offences related mainly to stores in Bognor, including the Tesco Express in Aldwick Road. He targeted the store 15 times between January and February this year, including four thefts in a single day on 23 January.

Nash also stole from the Co-op in Chichester Road, taking items such as laundry products, Easter eggs, meat, cheese and alcohol during the spree.

He was jailed for ten months and ordered to pay compensation.

Joshua Frasier, 31, of no fixed address, appeared before Lewes Crown Court on 25 February where he admitted 21 shop thefts at stores in Crawley between October and January.

This included three clothing thefts from TK Maxx as well as offences at Sainsbury’s, Tesco and the Co-op in the town.

Frasier was sentenced to two years in prison.

Finally, Max Huggett, 34, of Steyning Close, Northgate, appeared at Lewes Crown Court on 9 March where he admitted 17 shop thefts and 17 breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order.

His offences took place between October and January, when he repeatedly targeted the Co-op in Langley Green as well as carrying out one theft at Tesco in Hyde Drive.

Huggett was jailed for three months.

Speaking after the cases, Chief Inspector James Davidson said tackling shoplifting remains a priority.

He said retail crime has a significant impact on communities, shop staff and customers, and should not be considered “part of the job” for workers.

He added that police do not expect shop staff to place themselves in danger by intervening, and officers continue to work with businesses to promote safe reporting practices and crime prevention.

Chief Inspector Davidson said visible policing and community reassurance remain central to the force’s approach, alongside partnerships with organisations such as Business Crime Reduction Partnerships and local councils.

He said the cases demonstrate the force’s determination to target the worst offenders and secure convictions where there is clear evidence.

Police are continuing to encourage the public and businesses to report incidents online or by calling 101. In an emergency, people should always call 999.