A man has been jailed for prolific shoplifting across West Sussex.

34-year-old, Daniel Rogers, stole over £2,900 worth of goods from supermarkets and retailers.

Rogers was arrested on 21 October and charged the same day with 13 counts of theft from a shop.

At Crawley Magistrates’ Court, he pleaded guilty on all counts. Rogers was jailed for six weeks.

Crawley Borough Council is proud to announce small grant funding awards to six organisations delivering services and activities for local residents. These grants will help strengthen community support, promote wellbeing, and provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

The successful organisations and projects are:

• Chichester Diocesan Association Family Support Work — £850 awarded for supporting families in crisis with guidance on benefits, housing, debt, and access to grants, alongside practical help such as food deliveries and fuel support. Funding will contribute to project costs for an informal bereavement drop-in group. Visit the Family Support Work website for more information on their workOpens in new window
• Sport in Mind — £1,824 awarded for providing sport and physical activity sessions for people living with mental ill health, including badminton and table tennis at K2 Crawley and new tennis sessions at Crawley parks. Visit the Sport in Mind website for more information on their workOpens in new window
• West Green Women’s Institute (WI) — £225 awarded for supporting Wildflowers West Green WI with general running costs and hall hire for meetings and activities, including talks for members. Visit the Wildflowers West Green webpage on the WI website for more information on their workOpens in new window
• LPK Learning CIC — £2,477 awarded for delivering open-access learning sessions with tutors and workshops for children, young people, and families. Funding will help cover project costs for 2025 to 26.Visit the LPK Learning website for more information on their workOpens in new window
• British Down Syndrome Swimming — £2,500 awarded for hosting the DSS-GB National Swimming Championships at K2 Crawley in 2025 – the fourth annual event – attended by the Mayor. Visit the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships webpage for more information on the eventOpens in new window
• Tapestry Day Club — £2,500 awarded for launch of a new day club in Crawley to support families affected by dementia, offering day activities for people with early-stage dementia and respite for carers. Visit the Tapestry Day Club website for more information on their workOpens in new window

These grants reflect our commitment to supporting local organisations that make a real difference to residents’ lives. From mental health and dementia support to learning opportunities and inclusive sports, these projects strengthen our community and improve wellbeing.

Councillor Sue Mullins

Cabinet member for Community Engagement and Culture

Crawley Borough Council

Small grants of up to £2,500 are available for local community groups and voluntary organisations supporting Crawley residents and groups in need. For more information about small grants and how to apply, visit our community webpages

Two Live Facial Recognition vehicles have been successfully deployed by police for the first time in Redhill and Crawley.

At the deployment last Thursday, Surrey Police and Sussex Police received five positive alerts and a man was arrested in Redhill on suspicion of breaching his Sexual Risk Order.

The technology helps officers to find people on a pre-determined watchlist. Images of people who are not on the watchlist will have their face blurred and their images will be permanently deleted from the system. 

The Live Facial Recognition vans will be clearly signposted when deployed and locations will be publicised on the police website in advance.

A 52-year-old man has admitted to stealing luggage from a mother while she breastfed her daughter at Gatwick Airport.

John Brooks, pleaded guilty to stealing a suitcase and a child’s backpack on 30 October.

He also admitted causing criminal damage worth £88.30 after breaking a security barrier with his head as he escaped with the luggage.

Brooks was fined £388.30, £300 as compensation to the victim, and the rest for damaging the barrier.

Police officers who were on patrol in Crawley have detain a man who was a suspect in a burglary case.

37 year-old James Eastwood was arrested after being found leaning into a car which did not belong to him on Ifield Road.

Fast-track enquiries revealed he was linked to a number of other offences, and he was subsequently charged and remanded for multiple offences.

He pleaded guilty to possession of drugs, obstructing the Police, burglary and using abusive language.

He pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and has been further remanded for trial on a date yet to be set.