A large amount of cash and lottery tickets have been stolen from a Crawley newsagents.  

The robbery took place at around 5.40 am on Friday at McColls newsagents and post office at Southgate Parade.  The suspect assaulted a member of staff who had just opened the shop and made him open the safe. A quantity of lottery tickets, scratch cards and stamps were stolen.  The suspect was described as a white man with a Liverpudlian accent. He was wearing a red Royal Mail jacket, a white motorbike helmet, dark gloves and was carrying a red Royal Mail bag.  

Sussex Police would like to speak to anyone who has noticed posts on social media selling scratch cards and lottery tickets. Police also urge anyone who has CCTV footage of the incident to get in touch with them immediately.

Crawley Borough Council will hold an information day on how to help the local homeless community.  

Along with partners including Crawley Open House and Sussex Police, Council officers will be on hand to answer questions about diverted giving.  This is an initiative which encourages the public to donate to homelessness support charities instead of directly to rough sleepers. The Council says that donating to charities such as Crawley Open House is more beneficial; this charity provides temporary accommodation, healthcare, financial advice and employment support to those sleeping rough with the aim to get back on their feet and into a healthier lifestyle.  

The Information Day takes place in Queens Square on 1st June from 10 am until 2 pm.

A landlord has been prosecuted for failing to properly maintain and manage his property in Copthorne.  

Mid Sussex District Council inspected Grove House after receiving a number of complaints from tenants. The issues were so serious that the Council undertook immediate emergency repair works to ensure the safety of tenants.  The Council repaired unsafe electrics, repaired a faulty fire alarm system and reinstated hot water and heating in the building.

Hamedur Choudhury pleaded guilty to several offences at Crawley Magistrates Court including failing to comply with terms of an Improvement Notice, and failing to licence a house of multiple occupation.

The court fined Mr Choudhury over £17,000 including the Council’s costs.