Police warn of heatwave beach thefts

Soaring temperatures have seen up to 30,000 bathers packing onto the beach at weekends keeping police and Rother Council Beach Patrols busy.

A black leather bag containing various cards, a wallet, £30 cash, denim shorts and a Samsung Galaxy Mini was stolen on Saturday July 6 between 2pm and 4pm.

A Blackberry 8520 mobile phone was stolen near Jurys Gap around 3pm on the same day.

Rye police sergeant Warren Downs said: “With an influx of people comes a rise in crime,

“The fact that only a few crimes occurred with 30,000 people on the beach was a good result, although we would prefer to see no crime at all.

“Please continue to remain vigilant and do not leave your valuable property unattended.”

Cars parked at Pett Level Road while owners are on the beach are also often a target for thieves.

Police advice to prevent theft on the beach is to never leave bags unattended, even if you are only a few metres away. They say this is an open invitation for thieves to help themselves.

Try to keep valuables out of sight, either tucked away in bags or underneath blankets or towels.

Police also offered advice on how to stay safe on the beach.

Always check tide times before you head out to the beach. Children should be supervised at all times while visiting the beach.

Never enter the water when a red flag is flying and never try to rescue someone yourself.

If you believe someone to be in danger tell a lifeguard or call 999.