Shoplifting Sweep Sees Dozens Charged in Brighton and Hove
Major Crackdown on Business Crime
Sussex Police has hit back hard against rising shoplifting in Brighton and Hove, charging dozens of prolific offenders in a fierce crackdown. The force teamed up with community partners for a national business crime week of action, focusing on two intense days—October 18 and 20—targeting criminals preying on local businesses.
Arrests and Tough Sentences
- Aaron Haines, 40: No fixed address, charged with 12 counts of shop theft and two for abusive behaviour. Found guilty and handed a 10-week suspended prison sentence.
- Elliot Cahill, 31: From Brighton, breaching criminal behaviour orders and caught shoplifting multiple times. Re-arrested and now remanded in custody after repeat offences.
- Michael Nichols, 37: Of Hove, convicted of eight thefts and one attempted theft. Fined and ordered to complete community rehabilitation.
Four more men were arrested throughout the week for various shoplifting, burglary, and court order breaches. Two others received Community Protection Notices, with stricter penalties looming if breached.
Business Support and Licensing Checks
Beyond arrests, officers visited countless businesses citywide, offering crime prevention tips and hearing concerns firsthand. Licensing teams also inspected premises to ensure compliance with licences and trading standards, ready to enforce or advise as needed.
Police and Officials Speak Out
Chris Neilson, Sussex Police’s lead for business crime, said: “Business crime wrecks our communities, harming shopworkers and traders alike. It’s a team effort to protect them—our Business Crime Team works tirelessly with partnerships to catch offenders and support victims.”
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Kary Bourne added: “A staggering 89% of convenience store workers face abuse on the job — it’s unacceptable. New laws now treat assaults on retail workers as aggravated offences with harsher penalties. Our improved data sharing and swift action mean we’re hitting the repeat offenders hard.”
“We’re also educating offenders through programmes that hold them to account and show the real harm caused by so-called ‘low-cost’ crimes.”
