Four teenagers have been arrested following a swift police response to an incident at the Co-Op in Barnham on Thursday, 13 March.
Officers were called to the store on Barnham Road at 5.44pm after reports that a group of youths were stealing items. When a staff member challenged one of the suspects, he was pushed and punched in the face, causing bleeding.
The group then fled the scene, with two suspects running across open fields. Officers pursued them for approximately a mile before detaining and arresting them. The other two suspects returned to the store and were also arrested.
A 16-year-old boy from Bishopstoke, Hampshire, was charged with assault by beating, criminal damage, and theft. He has been released on conditional bail and is due to appear at Worthing Youth Court on 8 May.
A 15-year-old boy from Emsworth, Hampshire, was arrested on suspicion of assault. He has written a letter of apology, received a community resolution, and has been banned from the store.
A 16-year-old boy from Havant and a 14-year-old girl from Worthing were arrested but later released with no further action.
Chief Inspector Will Keating-Jones condemned the behaviour, stating:
“Anyone who thinks they can freely enter a shop and take items without attempting to pay for them can think again. This behaviour is totally unacceptable. Officers relentlessly pursued two of the suspects across fields in the dark, ensuring they were detained and arrested.”
He also praised the bravery of the store worker and a member of the public who intervened, emphasising that such incidents will not be tolerated.
