Sussex Police are appealing for public assistance in identifying two men suspected of stealing thousands of pounds worth of designer sunglasses from Leightons Opticians at The Orchards Shopping Centre.
The theft took place around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, when two men entered the opticians under the guise of browsing customers. Staff members grew suspicious as the pair began grabbing multiple high-end sunglasses and attempted to flee with them.
Employees at the store quickly locked the display cabinets and tried to recover the stolen items, but the suspects allegedly pushed past them and exited the premises.
Clear CCTV Footage Captured
The incident was recorded on CCTV, which shows the suspects walking through The Orchards shortly after the theft. Police are releasing detailed descriptions of the men:
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Suspect 1: Light blue baseball cap with an ‘A’, white vest, tan jeans, and a rucksack.
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Suspect 2: Black cap, blue tracksuit with pink Nike logos, matching Nike trainers, rucksack, and facial hair including a short beard and moustache.
Witnesses and CCTV Footage Sought
Investigators are now calling on witnesses or anyone with CCTV or mobile footage from the area at the time to come forward.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said:
“We believe these two individuals may be responsible for a high-value retail theft, and their identification is vital to recovering the stolen goods.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Sussex Police via their website or by calling 101, quoting serial 144 of 15/05.
