Nine crimes per day at Bexhill

And there has been no increase in violent crime or robbery over the last three months.

While the increase in reported crime is up nine per cent, Bexhill Sector Commander Inspector Max Mosley will tell Bexhill Police Consultative Group the town is still a safe place to live.

Figures he will present to the group are based on a rolling twelve-month period until August.

And while reported crime is up, burglaries are down four per cent, thefts from vehicles down 36 per cent and car thefts down seven per cent. Robberies too are down by 32 per cent.

Inspector Mosley blames the increase on a 94 per cent rise in shoplifting (103 reported offences) and minor criminal damage up 37 per cent to 270 incidents.

Our sector will continue to refocus our efforts on targeting this type of crime and will continue to look to the public for their support. They must be our eyes and ears if we are to succeed in our fight against crime.

Police are discussing with the Chamber of Trade and other organisations what can be done to discourage shoplifting. Another crime prevention workshop hosted by the Chamber may lead to an enhanced Shop Watch Scheme, he adds.