Fishy goings on after £500 nets stolen

Angry fishermen are asking people to keep their eyes peeled after their fishing nets were stolen.
Danny Smyth, left, secretary of Worthing Fishing Society and Paul Marchant, chairmanDanny Smyth, left, secretary of Worthing Fishing Society and Paul Marchant, chairman
Danny Smyth, left, secretary of Worthing Fishing Society and Paul Marchant, chairman

Danny Smyth, secretary of Worthing Fishing Society, said he and two of his colleagues have had nets worth £500 of stolen from them in the last couple of weeks.

Mr Smyth, 49, and his colleagues store their boats and fishing gear on Worthing Beach, opposite Navarino Road and Windsor Road.

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The nets are used to fish herring, which is currently in season.

He said: “It used to happen quite a few years ago, and for a long time nothing got stolen – but all of a sudden it’s happening again.

“We have had numerous incidents but there is nothing the police can do because there are no CCTV cameras down there.

“We have spoken to the council about getting a camera down on the beach, but they can’t do anything either.”

Mr Smyth has asked people to be alert while in the area.

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“If there are any people down on the beach at night, or there is anyone walking their dogs, if you see anything suspicious please inform the police.”

Nigel Jarrett from Sussex Police echoed Mr Smyth’s message.

He said: “If someone spots something suspicious going on, such as nets being dragged along the beach, or believes a crime is about to be committed, then call 999.

“Otherwise, if they have information about a previous theft, then they can call 101 or email [email protected].”

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