Police Crack Down On Prolific Shoplifters Across East Sussex

A month-long crackdown on shoplifting across East Sussex has led to multiple offenders being jailed, handed Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs), or sentenced for a string of thefts.

Police confirmed that one man has been jailed, three people have received CBOs, one offender has been given a suspended sentence, and two others have pleaded guilty to shoplifting charges.

Eight-Month Jail Term for Repeat Offender

Lee Fisher, 38, was arrested on 16 October and charged with nine counts of shop theft and five breaches of an existing CBO.

He pleaded guilty at Brighton Magistrates’ Court and was jailed for eight months.

Eastbourne Man Issued Two-Year CBO

Alexander Paterson, 46, of Hawkhurst Close, Eastbourne, admitted 13 shop thefts.

He was handed a two-year CBO banning him from going within 30 metres of two Co-Op stores in the town.

Hastings and St Leonards Offenders Sentenced

Katie Green, 39, of St Leonards, pleaded guilty to multiple shop thefts and was given a two-year CBO preventing her from entering the Co-Op in Bohemia Road and Priory Meadow shopping centre.

Clive Fullick, 57, also from St Leonards, admitted 20 shop thefts and has been issued a three-year CBO, including a ban near the Bohemia Road Co-Op.

Further Court Outcomes

• Benjamin Fransman, 47, of Worthing, received a 16-week suspended sentence after admitting theft.

• Benjamin Quay, 41, of Bexhill, pleaded guilty to 13 thefts and an assault. He is due to be sentenced on 24 November.

• Blake Freshwater, 30, of St Leonards, admitted six shoplifting offences, assault and criminal damage. He will be sentenced on 22 December.

Inspector Graham Bond said:

“We are committed to tackling shoplifting and holding prolific offenders accountable.

"We will continue using every tool available to protect businesses, support victims, and reduce reoffending.”

Police say operations targeting shoplifters will continue across the county.