A group of teenagers have been arrested after mobile phones were stolen from a Currys store in Worthing, in what police say is part of a growing trend of organised shop thefts across Sussex.
The incident happened at around 7 pm on Sunday, October 6, when officers were called to reports of a theft at the Currys branch on Lyons Farm.
Police quickly identified a black Renault linked to the suspects and stopped the vehicle shortly after, arresting five people from Portsmouth.
Among them was a 19-year-old man, along with four boys aged between 14 and 15. The four younger suspects have now been charged with shop theft and are due to appear before Worthing Youth Court on November 4.
The 19-year-old man has been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.
Police Appeal for Information
Inspector Christopher Bryant from Sussex Police said the investigation remains ongoing and appealed to the public for any relevant information, CCTV or dashcam footage.
He also reminded residents not to share unverified footage online, as doing so could interfere with the legal process.
“This kind of theft can have a real impact on local businesses and the wider community,” he said. “We are determined to hold those responsible to account.”
Part of a Wider Pattern
The Worthing case is the latest in a series of high-value mobile phone thefts targeting retailers across the county.
Earlier this year, two men from Worthing were jailed after breaking into a Three store by drilling through a wall to reach the stockroom, stealing more than £36,000 worth of phones and accessories.
In another case, four men were sentenced for robbing a Hastings phone shop after threatening staff and forcing access to a safe.
Police believe some of these crimes are linked to organised groups who target stores in different towns before moving on.
Impact on Local Businesses
Retailers have been stepping up security in response, with some stores introducing locked-door entry systems or hiring additional guards.
But smaller businesses say the financial and emotional impact remains heavy — especially as insurance costs rise and staff face increasing anxiety about potential confrontations.
Sussex Police have been working with local shopwatch schemes to share intelligence and deter repeat offenders, but warn that young people are also being drawn into such crimes for “quick cash”.
A Wake-Up Call for Communities
The arrests in Worthing show that police action can be swift when businesses and the public work together — but they also serve as a reminder of how widespread retail theft has become.
High-value electronics remain a prime target, and police are urging the public to stay alert and report suspicious behaviour near retail parks and high street stores.
The four teenagers charged will appear in youth court next month, while investigations into the wider group’s activities continue.
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