Thieves target Littlehampton and Rustington sheltered housing residents

The thieves have been stealing cash, from greetings card and money boxes, in sheltered housing scheme communal hallways, after being “buzzed in” by someone inside.

PC Jackie Shears, of Littlehampton Police, said: “These types of premises are easy targets as usually the residents are elderly and are likely to allow access to people who may not have a legitimate reason to be there.

“If anyone sees any suspicious activity or has a family member in sheltered housing, please remind them not to allow strangers into the building.”

The first was reported at 9.20pm on Tuesday (February 22), at Field House, Station Road, Rustington, and the second happened between 7.30pm and midnight the same day at St Catherine’s Court, Irvine Road, Littlehampton.

Police believe that the burglaries may be linked to a number of others in the area in recent weeks where only cash has been stolen, possibly by offenders desperate for money.

PC Shears added: “If you have any information about these two incidents, please call 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 385 of 23/02.”