Theft and vandalism in East Sussex reported to the police

Battle Town Council said, on April 30, electrical and hand tools were stolen from both the recreation ground and cemetery workshops.

The recreation ground site was entered via the side reinforced glass window and the cemetery door lock was forced, the council said.

The stolen items, considered public equipment, have been etched with 'BTC' for identification purposes. Only the ride-on mowers remain on-site.

The council said this will of course have a 'significantly negative impact' on the work carried out by the council grounds team to keep open spaces neat and tidy in these difficult times.

A council spokesman said: "The unprecedented onset of COVID-19 has had a significantly damaging effect on many lives, however it has also seen our local community coming together to help one another in a variety of ways including a fantastic volunteer response. Collectively, the residents of Battle have certainly made an outstanding effort to follow government instruction on social distancing which is helping to protect the NHS and save lives.

"It is however, with great frustration that Battle Town Council must report the criminal behaviour of one or more individuals who have not only committed a crime but also failed to join this community effort in the fight against COVID-19.

"It is a great shame that some individuals are intent on causing deliberate criminal damage in these already difficult times. This is unfortunately the second report of vandalism criminal activity in our town over the past month.

"Please could we ask that residents are vigilant of unusual behaviour and, if any of this equipment is seen or offered, please report to Sussex Police. Let’s encourage the whole community to play a positive role in making Battle safe for all."