A gang of teens has been snapped up by cops after swiping mobile phones from a Currys store in Worthing. Police warn this is just the latest in a rising wave of organised shop thefts hitting Sussex.

Five Arrested in Quick Police Sting

The raid went down around 7pm on Sunday, October 6, at the Currys branch on Lyons Farm. Prompt police action led to a traffic stop of a black Renault believed to be linked to the suspects.

• Five males from Portsmouth were arrested – one 19-year-old man and four boys aged 14 to 15.
• The teenagers now face shop theft charges and are due in Worthing Youth Court on November 4.
• The 19-year-old has been released on conditional bail while investigations continue.

Police Call for Public Help, Warn Against Sharing Unverified Clips

Inspector Christopher Bryant of Sussex Police urged the community to share any CCTV or dashcam footage related to the theft. But he stressed: “Don’t post unverified videos online – it could harm the case.”

“This kind of theft can have a real impact on local businesses and the wider community. We are determined to hold those responsible to account,” said Inspector Bryant.

Sussex Plagued by Organised Phone Theft Gangs

The Worthing bust is just the latest in a string of high-value mobile phone robberies across Sussex:

• Earlier this year, two men were jailed in Worthing after drilling into a Three store and making off with £36,000 worth of phones and gear.
• Four men were recently sentenced in Hastings for threatening staff and forcing open a phone shop safe.

Police believe organised groups hit multiple towns, targeting electronics retailers before moving on.

Businesses Battle Rising Theft with Security Boosts

Shops have ramped up security with locked-door entries and extra guards. Still, smaller businesses struggle with rising insurance costs and anxious staff facing potential violence.

Sussex Police are teaming up with local shopwatch groups to share intelligence and nip repeat offences in the bud. But the lure of “quick cash” is pulling more young people into crime.

A Community Warning and Police Success

The Worthing arrests prove swift police action works when the public and businesses unite. But they also highlight a growing problem with retail theft, especially of pricey electronics.

Police urge shoppers and shop staff to stay vigilant and report anything suspicious around retail parks and high streets.

The four teen suspects will appear in youth court next month, while officers continue digging into the gang’s wider activities.