Two arrested over Battle shoplifting spree

Police apprehended the pair in Lower Lake last Wednesday afternoon (October 27) following a number of thefts from the Co-Op, Budgens and Boots last month.

The men were stopped by Police Community Support Officers at around 2.30pm, shortly after thefts were reported at the Co-Op and Boots.

Police officers were quickly on the scene and one of the men became aggressive,

Both were arrested and taken in for questioning over a number of thefts from Battle shops.

Just before 6pm on October 19, two men stole several bottles of wine from Budgens in Market Square.

The pair fled the shop and escaped across fields behind Battle and Langton School, but their actions were caught on CCTV.

The thieves struck again the next day (October 20), escaping with six or seven bottles of wine from the Co-Op in the High Street, at around 5pm.

Shortly after the Co-Op theft, the same pair tried to steal some items from Boots, but left empty handed after being confronted by staff.

On October 27, at 2.15pm, the Co-Op was targeted again, with shoplifters stealing more wine, before moving on to Boots and taking a number of razors.

The two men were arrested near the Chequers pub a short time later.

Sergeant Dan Russell, from Battle police, said: “The Neighbourhood Policing Team at Battle have been looking for these shoplifters for some time.

“This was excellent work by the local PCSOs in locating these males and waiting with them until the police unit arrived.”

Sgt Russell said charges “were likely”.

He added: “The stores involved have provided us with excellent CCTV which proved key in identifying these males.”

The two men, both aged in their 30s and from St Leonards, have been bailed.

They must answer bail at Hastings Police Station on December 5.