Last Thursday evening, Bexhill MP Kieran Mullan chaired a meeting at the De La Warr Pavilion, bringing together over 40 high street business owners to share their experiences of shoplifting and its impact on the local community.
The meeting was organised in response to growing concerns from traders about a rise in shoplifting incidents and the strain this is placing on their businesses. It was co-hosted with Rother District Councillor Christine Bayliss, Lead Member for Regeneration, and supported by the Bexhill Chamber of Commerce, Rother District Council, Trades Council, and Sussex Police.
During the meeting, business owners recounted disturbing incidents of brazen theft, aggressive behaviour, and intimidation. Some expressed doubts about continuing to operate on the high street, citing frustration with the police response and questioning whether reporting crimes leads to meaningful action.
The DISC app—a tool for reporting crime and uploading evidence—was discussed. While some businesses are already using it, many were unaware of its existence or had encountered difficulties registering.
Chief Inspector Simon Yates reaffirmed Sussex Police’s commitment to tackling shoplifting. He announced that new officers dedicated to Bexhill will be visiting local businesses to introduce themselves and offer support. He also highlighted the new powers being piloted by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne to tag and monitor repeat offenders, helping to keep them away from shops and high streets.
Following the meeting, Kieran Mullan said: “We heard directly from Bexhill businesses that shoplifting is escalating year on year, with serious consequences for both their livelihoods and community safety. This meeting was a valuable opportunity for business owners to speak directly with the police. We won’t solve this overnight, but there are steps we can take. We’ll work together to ensure the police have the evidence they need—and then it’s up to them to ensure offenders are held accountable and kept out of our shops.”
Cllr Bayliss said: “I was delighted that so many businesses took the trouble to turn up and to share their experiences. What struck me very powerfully - was the experience of the women who work on their own in Town Centre shops and how vulnerable they feel when they are targeted by shoplifters and antisocial behaviour. We need to improve safety for women working in retail and I’m following up with the Police, the MP and Chamber about what we can do to support them”.
Chief Inspector, Simon Yates, Rother and Hastings District said: “Bexhill has seen a 10.5% increase in shoplifting with 71 more offences being committed. We are working with premises to both reduce offending and enhance positive outcomes aiming to bring more offenders to justice. Under the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee you will start to see more officers and PCSO’s patrolling the streets.”
Tracey Love, President of the Bexhill Chamber of Commerce said: “I am extremely thankful to the businesses who came to share their direct experience - especially our lone traders - who demonstrated quite clearly what Bexhill Chamber of Commerce & Tourism has been trying to impress for the best part of a year now. Having engaged with Chief Inspector Yates directly, and listened to his extremely honest appraisal of the situation, I am confident that he is currently listening to the concerns of the town with a view to responding appropriately.
“Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is 100% behind any activity that makes our Shops & Business premises a safer place to work, and we are thankful of the support from Dr Kieran Mullen MP and his Office who have added some substantial weight to all three tiers of our Local Councillor Voices. I hope this multi-agency approach, which would include Rother District Council and their endorsed Sussex Police DISC Crime Reporting System can gain traction, and achieve a positive result for the town.”
