Crackdown on Shoplifting: Sussex Stiffs Jailed in Business Crime Blitz
A major week-long blitz across Sussex has nailed a string of shoplifters and crooks, slamming them with jail time and tough Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs). The first-ever Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) Week ran from 17–21 March, targeting repeat offenders and boosting police patrols in retail hotspots.
Big Busted: Notorious Offenders Sent Down
- Jodie Dawkins, 31, Eastbourne – locked up for 41 weeks after 12 shoplifting charges for over £1,300 in stolen goods.
- Ryan Breach, 35 – slapped with two months in prison for thefts from B&M, Tesco, and Co-Op stores in Worthing.
- Jamil Davies, 33, Brighton – got a suspended 12-month sentence for 11 thefts plus a strict five-year CBO.
- Amy Jones, 32, Worthing – jailed for 13 months after breaching an old CBO 10 times and committing 10 more thefts.
- Joseph Marodza, 31, Eastbourne – handed a suspended sentence and a three-year CBO for stealing clothes and chocolates.
New Initiatives and Underage Sales Exposed
The campaign also saw the launch of the Arun BCRP, aiming to boost crime prevention and encourage local businesses to report incidents. Meanwhile, undercover “test” purchases in Eastbourne and Hampden Park revealed a shocking 25% of retailers illegally selling vapes and tobacco to underage kids. Trading Standards will now crack down on the offenders.
Police and Officials Speak Out
“Prolific offenders cause the most harm to businesses, and we are resolute in our efforts to tackle business crime and support retailers,” said Chief Inspector Andy Nicklin, East Sussex business crime lead.
“The BCRPs are vital to building public confidence and improving communication between retailers and law enforcement,” added Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne.
The crackdown sends a clear message: Sussex means business when it comes to smashing shoplifting and protecting local stores.
