Operation Stopwatch has seen Sussex Police step up patrols across Bexhill in the weeks before Christmas, targeting shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.
Officers carried out foot patrols, plain-clothes work and stop searches as part of the crackdown.
In total, six people were arrested, four community resolutions were issued, and stolen property was recovered following positive stop searches.
On 10 December, Tamsin Gregory, 37, from Bexhill, was arrested following a shoplifting incident in the town. She was further linked to 11 outstanding shoplifting offences, charged, remanded in custody and later sentenced to 16 weeks’ imprisonment.
On 5 December, a 59-year-old man from Hastings, was arrested after he was seen behaving suspiciously in a shop. He was found in possession of stolen goods and enquiries linked him to four further shoplifting offences.
On 11 December, officers arrested three youths following a significant shoplifting incident at a convenience store. The group attempted to flee but were detained by officers. One of the youths was charged, while the others are being dealt with through Youth Justice and intervention pathways.
On 13 December, a 20-year-old man, of no fixed address, was arrested after being identified as a suspect for a theft in Bexhill. Further enquiries linked him to eight additional shoplifting offences in the area and he has been bailed while enquiries continue.
Inspector Simon Whitehead, of the Rother Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Operation Stopwatch shows what can be achieved when officers are highly visible and work closely with local businesses and the community.
“Over a short period, we’ve seen a clear reduction in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, with several prolific offenders arrested and taken out of circulation.
“Just as importantly, people have told us they feel safer seeing officers on foot and knowing we are there to support them.
"Bexhill is not an easy target for offenders, and our visible, targeted policing will continue all year."
Officers also signed up businesses to the DISC crime-sharing platform, strengthening real time reporting and a rapid police response.
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