Eastbourne crackdown on shoplifting leads to conviction of prolific offender

A targeted policing operation in Eastbourne is delivering strong results in the fight against shoplifting, with a prolific offender now behind bars.

Under Operation Apprentice, officers identify and pursue the most persistent retail offenders. Each month, individuals are selected based on the severity and frequency of their offending, with officers building evidence to bring them before the courts and secure convictions.

As part of this work, Ben Tullett, 30, of Pevensey Road, Eastbourne, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after pleading guilty to 13 shoplifting offences at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday, 31 March. A further 27 offences were taken into consideration.

His offending targeted a number of stores across Eastbourne, including repeated thefts from the Co-Op on Beatty Road, Morrisons in Polegate and Hobbycraft at the Admiral Retail Park. In one incident on 2 March 2026, he took steaks from the Co-op, placing them in a bag before attempting to leave without paying. On 29 December 2025 he stole plastic model kits valued at £278 from Hobbycraft, and on 9 February 2026, he took various chocolate items worth £126 from Morrisons.

These offences formed part of a wider pattern of repeated shoplifting, supported by CCTV and witness evidence, which led to his identification and arrest.

Alongside pursuing offenders through the courts, police have successfully secured 10 Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) across Eastbourne in the past year. These orders place strict conditions on offenders to prevent further crime, with breaches carrying a potential prison sentence of up to five years.

Officers are working closely with affected businesses, providing tailored crime prevention advice and support. Additional hotspot patrols have been carried out in the town centre, alongside targeted patrols by local policing teams around the most impacted areas.

Four prolific offenders in Eastbourne are currently subject to GPS-tagged Criminal Behaviour Orders, requiring them to wear monitoring devices for up to a year. Since their introduction, offending has significantly reduced and, in some cases, stopped altogether.

Chief Inspector Kara Tombling, Eastbourne District Commander, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. As well as the financial impact on businesses, shopworkers are often subjected to intimidation, assaults and abuse simply for doing their jobs.

“We will continue to work closely with businesses to support reporting and strengthen crime prevention measures.

“In the last 12 months, shop theft detection rates in Eastbourne have increased by 20 per cent compared to the previous year. We remain committed to targeting the most persistent offenders and, where there is clear evidence, bringing them before the courts. It is encouraging to see offenders like Tullett receiving custodial sentences.”

Members of the public and businesses are encouraged to report incidents online or by calling 101. In an emergency, always call 999.