A daring thief drove a stolen Range Rover straight through Bognor Regis’ Arcade shopping centre to smash and grab a jewellers – but it’s Freddie Stevens who’s now behind bars.
Range Rover used as battering ram in brazen smash-and-grab
On November 11, two luxury Range Rovers were stolen in Yapton and Pulborough. Minutes later, one was slammed into The Arcade in Bognor Regis, captured in CCTV footage crashing through a shutter on High Street. The stolen vehicle then tore down the pedestrianised walkway, smashing a Belmont Street entrance on the way in.
£30k of jewels stolen in pre-Christmas raid
Police nabbed 22-year-old Freddie Stevens from Bordon, Hampshire, inside Clayden and Co jewellers. The store’s owner revealed around £30,000 worth of precious bling — nearly half their entire stock — was stolen, leaving the shop devastated just before Christmas.
Fast police response leads to quick arrest
- An alarm sounded at 2.12am. Officers dashed to the scene but crooks had vanished.
- The burnt-out Range Rover Evoque was found abandoned on the A29 near Slindon, linking back to Stevens’ home.
- DNA evidence matched Stevens to the crime scene, sealing his fate.
Stevens pleaded guilty to burglary and two counts of vehicle theft at Chichester Crown Court. On January 27, he was sentenced to two years behind bars.
Police praise swift action as community reels
“This was a shocking incident that caused significant disruption to businesses and the community,” said District Commander Chief Inspector Adam McCaig. “Thanks to the swift response and strong public support, Stevens had no choice but to plead guilty. I’m pleased he’s now serving time.”
The Arcade had to shut for two days for repairs after the smash-and-grab raid.
Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Sussex Police online quoting serial 71 of 11/11/2026 or anonymously call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
