Old Town Traders Stand Together
PAUL MCLAUGHLIN
A spate of break-ins along George Street and High Street in recent weeks has caused distress to local traders and prompted calls for an increased police presence in the Old Town at night. There have been several burglaries recorded since the start of February, with all the break-ins taking place in the early morning.
Rose Ratcliffe of Butlers Emporium
One trader told HIP that they arrived at their shop to find the front door glass shattered and the till drawer, containing mostly loose change, ransacked on the floor. “It’s not just about the money; it’s the violation. We have worked so hard to build our business, and someone can just destroy it in a minute. It’s just not fair.”
Police Investigation
Sussex Police have stated that five people have been arrested in connection with the break-ins. This followed increased patrols across Hastings Old Town and a review of evidence gathered by scene of crime officers and security camera footage from the affected businesses and surrounding areas.
In addition to the increased visibility, the police have stepped-up proactive engagement with partners, business owners, and residents and are working closely with the community to support those affected.
Economic and emotional Anxieties
The break-ins have cast a shadow over the Old Town in what is traditionally a quiet trading period after Christmas. The small independent shops and restaurants are already grappling with rising rents, business rates and energy bills and now must factor in the added expense of costly repairs and security upgrades.
One trader told HIP he had been charged over £1,000 for a temporary replacement door and would have to find a further £3,500 for a permanent exact match. Another said he has been forced to install a new alarm system. “I can’t really afford it,” he said, before adding, “but I can’t afford not to.”
A shop owner on the High Street spoke of the emotional impact the burglary has had on staff, and the trauma they have experienced since the break-in.
In response to the increased costs some traders are facing, Hastings Borough Council is actively exploring potential funding streams to help them with security audits.
Local Concerns
The recent spate of burglaries comes six months after residents and business owners packed the Stables Theatre for an urgent public meeting to address a sharp rise in crime and antisocial behaviour in the area. The meeting last August highlighted growing concerns over open drug dealing, burglaries and aggressive begging, which left many feeling unsafe in their own neighbourhood.
Despite the arrest of five people, the investigation into the break-ins is ongoing and Sussex Police continue to appeal for people in the area to contact them via the non-emergency 101 hotline if they have information or security camera footage from any of the recent break-ins.
Defiance
More than 50 local traders packed into a meeting organised by Rose Ratcliffe of Butlers Emporium on George Street, coming together in a show of solidarity to discuss the challenges. The gathering, focused on community and brainstorming solutions, underscored the traders’ determination to support one another. “We want to send a message that the Old Town is resilient, and we are watching out for one another,” Ratcliffe said.
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