Thieves break into Petworth store

Boutique owner Sarah Dixon said the shop alarm went off, alerting her at her home and the police at the same time.

Thieves had drilled through the shop front and then smashed their way in.

“I think they had been watching the shop and seen the clothes come in in their boxes,” she said.

“The police were amazing and quickly on the scene. We felt we were well-protected. Our suppliers have been brilliant and local people very supportive. The shop is now back to normal. It’s business as usual.”

A police spokesman said a 51-year-old Brighton man was arrested later the same day, interviewed and released on bail until February 17.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting serial 0046 of 17/1.