Police step up patrols in Hastings Old Town following string of break-ins
Police have been carrying out daily patrols in Hastings Old Town following burglaries.
Shops in George Street have been targeted in the early hours of the morning with doors being forced to gain entry.
A spokesperson for Hastings Police said: “We have increased our visibility in the area and continue pro-active engagement with partners, business owners and residents.
"Our teams are actively gathering information and working closely with the community to support those affected and identify those responsible.
"Your co-operation and awareness remain vital. If you see or hear anything at appears suspicious please contact us on 101. If a crime is in progress, or in an emergency, always dial 999.”
Old Town trader Alex White said: “I would urge traders to empty all tills and leave them open at the end of the day.”
The owner of a shop in George Street, that suffered a recent break-in, said: “Small businesses have a hard enough time without theft and damage to the premises. Insurance is rarely much help once excesses have been applied, meaning repairs come straight from our pockets, making keeping small businesses alive on the high street harder still.”
At a break-in at another George Street shop, CCTV cameras recorded the offender returning two more times after the initial break-in. The shop door was badly damaged and vintage camera equipment stolen.