Standing up for our high streets
Shoplifting has been on the rise in Bexhill town centre, and it’s an issue that affects not just retailers, but the whole community. Local businesses work hard to keep our high streets thriving, and they deserve to feel supported and protected.
As your MP – and having served as a volunteer police officer – I know how important it is that shop crime is taken seriously. That’s why I’ve been working with Sussex Police, Rother District Council, and the local business community to make sure action is taken.
Meeting with Sussex Police
I recently met with Chief Inspector Simon Yates, Hastings and Rother’s District Commander, to discuss the scale of shoplifting in Bexhill.
- Two new police officers and a PCSO have been allocated specifically to Bexhill.
- Officers will be working closely with local businesses to reduce theft and anti-social behaviour.
- The new DISC reporting system is now live, making it easier for shopkeepers to report incidents and share images directly with the police.
Following our meeting, I joined CI Yates and PCSO Potter on a walkabout in the town centre, including a visit to a shop that had recently experienced shoplifting.
Supporting Local Businesses
Our independent traders are the backbone of the high street. They invest huge amounts of time and money into their businesses, and it’s only right that they can operate without constant threat from shoplifters.
I have spent time speaking to retailers about how I can better support our high streets in Bexhill, Battle and the villages. We need to back our police when they take a zero tolerance approach to shoplifting. We also need to make use of new laws to get absent landlords to work with us to fill vacant spaces.
I want shopkeepers to know that offenders will be held accountable and that reporting incidents is vital. I know some may feel that that there is little point in reporting, but every report helps the police build cases, secure resources, and take action.
What You Can Do
- Business owners: Please sign up to the DISC reporting system and report every incident of shoplifting.
- Residents: Continue supporting our local shops and reporting anti-social behaviour when you see it.
- Community groups: Work with us to ensure that criminals get the message – shoplifting will not be tolerated in Bexhill.
My Commitment
I will continue to:
- Press for more resources to tackle crime in Bexhill.
- Support Sussex Police in cracking down on repeat offenders.
- Oppose Labour’s plans to let prolific shoplifters avoid prison.
Together, we can make sure that Bexhill remains a safe, welcoming place for businesses and residents alike.
Photos:
Photo 1: Kieran joined CI Yates and PCSO Potter on a walkabout in Bexhill town centre including visiting a shop which had recently experienced shoplifting.
Photo 2: Kieran talking to the team at Wards in Bexhill about problems with shoplifting
