In an ongoing effort to advance their investigation, Sussex Police have released images of four individuals they wish to question regarding a series of thefts. The authorities are urging anyone who recognizes the people in the photos or has any relevant information to come forward.

Members of the public can contact the police through their online platform or by calling 101, quoting the serial number 371 of 30/04.

The thefts come at a time when retail businesses are grappling with an alarming rise in shoplifting and attacks on staff. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) 2023 Crime Survey has highlighted that incidents of violence and abuse against retail staff have nearly doubled compared to the previous year, with 867 incidents recorded daily. This surge in retail crime has sparked calls for greater police support and harsher sentencing for repeat offenders.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, expressed deep concern over the trend, stating, “The cost of retail crime has risen to record levels. Retailers are facing a £1 billion per year problem in theft and damage, on top of over £700 million in crime prevention costs.

As police forces nationwide tackle this growing issue, incidents like the recent thefts in Durrington underscore the importance of community cooperation in solving and preventing retail crime. Authorities continue to stress the need for public involvement to ensure the safety of both staff and customers in retail environments.