13 Sussex charity shops close changing rooms amid thefts

Donation tins and items in Guild Care's 15 stores across Sussex have been targeted by thieves looking to make quick cash from donations destined for the most vulnerable people in society.

It comes amid a shoplifting crisis on high streets up and down the country with some 443,995 offences recorded in the past year - the highest it has been in 20 years.

The Guild Care shop in George Street, Hove was the first to shut its changing rooms (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

Retail director Adam Rider said the charity has seen a "marked increase" since the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis.

He said: "It is shocking that anyone could think it is acceptable to steal from a charity supporting the most vulnerable in our community.

"It is a very sad reflection on today's society."

The closures were sparked by thefts in the shop in George Street, Hove, where antisocial behaviour and shoplifting run rife.

The Argus found that almost 300 shoplifting incidents were recorded in Brighton each month with many going without prosecution.

Read more: City's shoplifting epidemic laid bare with map showing hotspots

Adam said: "It was awful for the staff so when out shop manager proposed closing the changing rooms, we supported the decision.

"Managers at most of our other shops have followed suit and we have no plans to reopen any of the changing rooms that are now shut."

Only two of the 15 charity shops Guild Care operates in Sussex still have changing rooms, which are close to the tills.

New stores, which are set to open later in the year, will not have changing rooms as a result.

A Guild Care shop in Southwick (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

Guild Care has provided social care for older people, those with dementia and people with learning disabilities for almost a century.

Adam added: "This year two of our shops also experienced evening break-ins with thieves stealing the donation tins off counters for the loose change.

"Closing changing rooms hasn’t impacted on levels of trade or revenue. While a few customers still ask about them, they understand when we explain that Guild Care offers a seven-day, no-quibble refund policy if you bring your receipt, which means they can try on items at home without pressure."

Sussex Police's business crime lead Chris Neilson told The Argus that the force thoroughly investigates every report of shoplifting.

He said: "Sussex Police are working closely with businesses to improve reporting and take advantage of technology available to us to identify, arrest and charge suspects, including those prolific offenders who we know cause the greatest harm to our communities.

"We will always follow up on all reasonable lines of enquiry and do all we can to solve as many shopliftings as possible."