Two men have been remanded in custody after a spree of burglaries in Hastings left business owners counting the cost.
Sussex Police said: “Two men have pleaded guilty to a series of business burglaries in Hastings.
“Officers received a number of reports of offences in the town centre between Wednesday 8 April and Wednesday 15 April.
“Neighbourhood Policing Teams, alongside the East Sussex Burglary Team and CID, carried out fast-paced inquiries which led to those responsible being identified, arrested and charged.
“David Morten, 42, of no fixed address, was charged on Wednesday 15 April with multiple offences including burglary, attempted burglary and shop theft.
He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 16 April where he pleaded guilty to 11 counts of burglary, two counts of attempted burglary and two counts of shop theft.
“He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday 14 May for sentencing.”
Morten targeted a post office, Sports Direct and several shops in Harold Place, Hastings.
Oliver Cassin, 31, of no fixed abode, formerly of Mount Pleasant Road, Hastings, was arrested on Thursday 16 April.
He was charged the next day, on Friday 17 April, with three counts of burglary with intent to steal including at the Imperial pub, in Queen’s Road, Hastings.
He appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Monday 20 April where he pleaded guilty. He has been remanded in custody and is next due to appear in court on Monday 18 May.
Hastings and Rother district commander, Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor, said: “We understand the concern caused by business burglaries in Hastings town centre and want to reassure the community that we have taken robust action.
“Following a number of reports, officers carried out fast-paced inquiries which led to those responsible for these burglaries being brought before the courts where they have pleaded guilty.
“Our inquiries remain ongoing in relation to other reported incidents and we will continue to pursue all available lines of investigation.
“We will continue to carry out proactive patrols and work closely with local businesses and partners to prevent offending and support those affected.”
