Four notorious shoplifters have finally been locked up after terrorising West Sussex stores for months. Thanks to Sussex Police’s tough Operation Apprentice, these repeat offenders are now behind bars.
Operation Apprentice Takes Down Shoplifting Gang
Operation Apprentice brings together officers, retailers, Business Crime Reduction Partnerships, and local councils to smash the worst retail criminals. Their latest crackdown caught four career thieves who had been plaguing shops across the county.
Four Thieves Nabbed with Bumper Crime Records
- Ryan Breach, 36, homeless and reckless, admitted 13 shop thefts and eight criminal behaviour order breaches. His loot ranged from £205 worth of medicine at Savers to protein powder at Holland & Barrett and £360 of Lego from Morrisons. Jailed for 16 months at Lewes Crown Court.
- Alex Nash, 33, from Bognor Regis, confessed to 22 thefts, 12 behaviour order breaches, and drug possession. He repeatedly hit Tesco Express in Aldwick Road 15 times in two months, even stealing four times in one day, plus he targeted Co-op stores in Chichester Road. Nash received 10 months behind bars and must pay compensation.
- Joshua Frasier, 31, also homeless, pleaded guilty to 21 thefts in Crawley from October to January. His haul included clothes from TK Maxx and various goods from Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Co-op. He was sentenced to two years at Lewes Crown Court.
- Max Huggett, 34, from Northgate, admitted 17 thefts and equal breaches of criminal behaviour orders between October and January. He repeatedly targeted Co-op in Langley Green and Tesco in Hyde Drive. Huggett got three months in jail.
Police Issue Stern Warning to Shoplifters
“Shop theft impacts retail staff and our entire community. We’re working closely with businesses to stop retail crime and bring repeat offenders to justice,” said Chief Inspector James Davidson.
He urged everyone to report suspicious activity via 101 or online, and dial 999 in emergencies.
This no-nonsense crackdown sends a clear message: West Sussex won’t tolerate shoplifting sprees wrecking local shops. Repeat offenders beware – the law is watching!
