Two people including a 14-year-old have been arrested following a rise in thefts in a town.

Sussex Police have seen a rise in reports of thefts of high-value bicycles from garages and outbuildings across Eastbourne.

Following multiple reports of break-ins at properties in Cliff Road and Pashley Road on February 10 and 11, a 20-year-old man from Eastbourne and a 14-year-old boy from Crowborough have been arrested on suspicion of going equipped for burglary.

They have been released on conditional bail until May 11 while the investigation continues.

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Inspector Sarah Taylor, of the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are acutely aware of the impact that this recent spate of thefts has had on our local community, and are continuing to work to tackle the issue.

“We encourage everyone to check that their garages and outbuildings are safe and secure, and report any suspicious activity to police, quoting Operation Dismount.”

Residents with garages and outbuildings are being urged to keep their property secure and prevent thieves.

Tips to prevent theft include:

  • Ensure outbuildings are locked securely with padlocks and consider an alarm.
  • Consider installing CCTV.
  • Cover high-value possessions with an old sheet or blanket to hide them from view.
  • Consider moving high-value possessions to a safer location.
  • Check garages and outbuildings regularly.

Anyone with relevant information about thefts in the area has been asked to report online or via 101 quoting Operation Dismount.

Officers are specifically appealing for any CCTV or ring doorbell footage of the Cliff Road and Pashley Road area between 10pm on February 10 and 6am on February 11.

Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers online or on 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 in an emergency.