Sussex Police have announced a forceful clampdown on prolific shoplifters in East Sussex, resulting in a wave of arrests, court orders, and jail time as part of an aggressive drive to protect local retailers.
Over the past month alone, one man was jailed, three individuals were handed Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs), another received a suspended sentence, and two more pleaded guilty to multiple shoplifting charges.
Among those prosecuted:
Lee Fisher (38) was arrested on October 16 on nine counts of shop theft and five breaches of a prior CBO. He pleaded guilty the next day at Brighton Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment.
Alexander Paterson (46) of Hawkhurst Close, Eastbourne, admitted to 13 thefts and was convicted on October 13. He received a two-year CBO, which bans him from entering certain Co-Op stores in Albert Parade and Milfoil Drive, Eastbourne.
Katie Green (39), from St Leonards, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of shoplifting. She was given a two-year CBO that prohibits her from entering the Co-Op in Bohemia Road, Hastings, and Priory Meadow shopping centre.
Clive Fullick (57), of Stonehouse Drive, St Leonards, admitted 20 counts of theft and received a three-year CBO, including a 30-meter exclusion around the Co-Op on Bohemia Road, Hastings.
Benjamin Fransman (47), of Windsor Road, Worthing, was handed a 16-week suspended sentence, and Benjamin Quay (41), from Bexhill, has pleaded guilty to 13 counts of shoplifting and assault; his sentencing is due in late November.
Blake Freshwater (30), of Chapel Park Road, St Leonards, admitted to six charges including shoplifting, common assault, and criminal damage, but has been bailed until his sentencing in December.
Inspector Graham Bond of Sussex Police emphasized the force’s commitment to tackling repeat offenders: “We are committed to comprehensively tackling shoplifting … We will use all of the tools at our disposal to bring justice … and support rehabilitation and crime deterrent measures to prevent future offending.”
This operation forms part of Sussex Police’s broader efforts to counter retail crime and persistent shoplifting through coordinated enforcement, behavioural interventions, and working closely with local businesses.
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