Nomad Thief Charged with Rampage of Robberies Across Hastings and Bexhill
Zachariah Simms, 21, with no fixed address, has been hit with a string of serious theft and robbery charges. The suspect faced Brighton Magistrates’ Court on November 29, accused of eight thefts, three robberies, and carrying an offensive weapon in public.
Raid on Shops from St Leonards to Bexhill
Simms’ alleged crime spree targeted multiple businesses across Hastings and Bexhill. He reportedly hit the Co-op on London Road, St Leonards, not once but four times between August and September 2023. Other victims included Sainsbury’s Hastings (September 2), Marks & Spencer (October 2), and Savers (November 24). Bexhill’s Sainsbury’s was also targeted on November 1.
Stolen goods ranged from biscuits and coffee to alcohol and hefty cuts of meat.
Shop Staff Threatened in Violent Confrontations
In three chilling incidents, employees and security staff confronted Simms but were met with threats and violence. These took place at Morrisons on Queens Road, Hastings (October 2), Sainsbury’s Bexhill (November 7), and Asda in Battle Road, Hastings (November 27).
Police Urge Public to Report Crime
“We acknowledge the financial and emotional impact business crime has on owners and employees, particularly when a business is repeatedly targeted,” said DC Debora Baptista.
“We work closely with businesses, local authorities and Business Crime Reduction Partnerships across Sussex to tackle this problem head-on. Every report is taken seriously, no matter the value.
“We urge shop workers, business owners, and the community to report any crimes online or via 101. In emergencies, dial 999 immediately.”
Simms remains in custody with his next court appearance set for January 3, 2024.
For more crime updates, visit Sussex.News.
