Thieves steal purses and phones from County Mall shoppers

Sussex Police said the first theft took place at the shopping centre on Tuesday February 11 when two phones were stolen from the back of a child’s buggy.

A third phone was taken on the same day after the owner accidentally left it on a bench in the mall.

It is not known if the two incidents are related. Police are continuing with their enquiries.

Anyone with information about the thefts should call 101 quoting serial 1204 of 12/2 for the first theft or 323 of 11/2 for the second.

Two purse thefts took place on Saturday (February 15).

A woman discovered her purse, described as red leather, was missing at about 1.30pm.

The purse, which was in her handbag, contained a driving licence and credit cards. At about 2pm another victim found that her purse had been stolen.

This purse was later found but minus the £50 cash that it contained. Police are still investigating these thefts but have not been confirmed as linked at the present.

Witnesses should call 101 quoting serial 1190 of 15/02 for the first theft and 1128 15/02 for the second.

Sussex Police are working closely with County Mall security and Shopwatch and urge people to keep their purses, wallets and mobile phones in a safe place when out and about.

Police also advise the public to keep their bags closed and keep them with them at all times.

Crawley Police regularly offer free mobile phone security marking in Crawley Leisure Park, town centre – these dates are advertised on the Crawley pages of the Sussex Police website.

If you are unable to attend these events then contact your local Police Community Support Officer, whose details are shown on the pages, who will be pleased to arrange this service for you.