Eastbourne Shoplifter Caught After 14 Thefts
Serial Shoplifter Nabbed
A man has been convicted after a flurry of shoplifting incidents rocked Eastbourne. Adam Summerford, 33, of no fixed address, appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on November 30. He pleaded guilty to 14 counts of theft.
The Theft Spree
Between October 23 and November 26, Summerford targeted several local stores including The Range, Sports Direct, Co-op, and Sainsbury’s. He made off with a range of items such as a vacuum cleaner, clothing, alcohol, and food.
Police Crack Case With CCTV Evidence
Working closely with local businesses, Sussex Police gathered CCTV footage that clearly identified Summerford as the culprit. He was arrested on November 28 and remanded in custody.
Sentence and Police Statement
At court, Summerford was handed a 12-week custodial sentence suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete a drug rehabilitation programme.
PC Christopher Holmes, of Eastbourne, Lewes & Wealden Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Adam Summerford is a prolific offender and was identified thanks to the collaboration between Sussex Police, businesses and our partners in the community.
“This teamwork is vital in catching repeat offenders who are causing harm to our communities – not only financial losses to the businesses they target, but to the shop workers who are intimidated and forced into impossible situations.
“We will continue to work alongside the business community to protect them from harm and bring perpetrators to justice.”
Support From Sussex Police Business Crime Team
Sussex Police’s dedicated Business Crime Team works with partners like the Business Crime Reduction Partnership and Safer Sussex Business Partnership to fight business crime across the county. Their ongoing efforts aim to protect shops and customers alike from offenders like Summerford.
