BEXHILL MP Kieran Mullan has met with the Hastings and Rother District Commander, Chief Inspector Simon Yates, to discuss growing concerns about shoplifting in the town centre.
Shop crime has been on the increase in recent months, prompting discussions between Sussex Police, Rother District Council and the local business community on how to better tackle the problem.
Dr Mullan, who previously served for several years as a volunteer police officer, said he wants to ensure an effective strategy is in place to support retailers and give residents confidence that offences are being taken seriously.
He said that while there had been some recent successes in apprehending offenders, shoplifting continues to cause difficulties for local businesses and affects the wider community’s sense of safety.
Chief Inspector Yates confirmed that two new police constables and a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) have now been assigned specifically to Bexhill. They will be working closely with traders to reduce shoplifting and respond quickly to incidents.
A new reporting tool for shoplifting called DISC was launched in Bexhill last November.
This allows shopkeepers to report incidents and upload images which the police can then investigate.
Following the meeting, Kieran joined CI Yates and PCSO Potter on a walkabout in Bexhill town centre including visiting a shop which had recently experienced shoplifting.
Kieran said: “It was good to meet CI Yates to discuss shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in Bexhill and to hear of his commitment to cracking down on these criminals who steal with impunity.
“Our local businesses work hard to keep the Bexhill high streets thriving. They are mostly independent traders who have invested a lot of time and money into their businesses. They need to know that those involved in shoplifting and antisocial behaviour will be prosecuted.
“I would urge local businesses to sign up to the DISC system and ensure that they report every shoplifting. I know some people have felt like there is little point in reporting, but this helps me press for action and more resources and is the only way we will ever tackle this. I will also continue to oppose Labours plans to let prolific offenders like shoplifters avoid prison.
“It’s vital that we work as a community to send out a strong message to criminals that shoplifting and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in Bexhill.”
