A man from Eastbourne, Nathan Higgins, aged 25 and without a permanent residence, admitted to two burglary charges and three fraud charges in Brighton Magistrates’ Court on January 4th.

The police were alerted to a burglary at an Elms Avenue home in Eastbourne on December 26, 2023, where a wallet with two bank cards was taken. The bank informed the victim that the stolen cards were used in various locations around the town. Surveillance footage showed Higgins using the stolen cards, and a local police officer recognized him.

Another burglary was reported on January 2, 2024, at La Piazza restaurant in Station Parade, Eastbourne. Video evidence captured two individuals entering the restaurant and stealing several bottles of alcohol, with Higgins being identified by the same officer.

Higgins was apprehended on January 3 concerning both incidents.

While detained, Higgins was connected to an additional crime involving the theft of cash and alcohol from the West Hill Tavern in Buckingham Place, Brighton, on December 12, 2023. He was recognized in the CCTV footage from this incident as well and was further detained on burglary suspicions.

He faced charges for two burglaries and three counts of fraud by false representation.

After his guilty plea on January 4, Higgins was held in custody, awaiting his sentencing scheduled for February 26.