A snapshot of High Street crime in Eastbourne

Last week’s court reports (Eastbourne Herald February 14) gave a picture of High Street crime: a petty shop theft (cans of lager); two assaults (two policemen); criminal damage (a smashed shop window).

It was interesting and surprising that the business meeting that day with the Police And Crime Commissioner related shop thefts to the presence of illegal drugs in the town for retail.

A few years ago beggars and layabouts were not an Eastbourne sight.

Sometimes Eastbourne streets can be quite safe.

On Sunday February 9, Grove Road and Station Parade were quiet as a graveyard.

I spotted one of Prezzo’s doors swinging in the wind at 1am in the morning.

It had a happy ending: I reported it to Sussex Police; they investigated, made the premises secure, and the restaurant was ready for trade on Monday morning.