North Laine break-in

Seventeen designer hand bags were stolen from Neoma Design in Trafalgar Street on 10 December leaving the owner facing significant lost sales and revenue.

A panel at the bottom of the shop door had been carefully removed to facilitate access to the premises. Two shelves were cleared of stock worth £3,000.

The stolen handbags are made of a distinctive Italian red leather, and each piece is unique. The handbags may be recognisable as the straps are made separately so none of the stolen handbags have straps attached.

The break-in follows concerns from other businesses in the North Laine over thefts this autumn and fears of a “mini crime wave”.

Anyone with information should contact Sussex Police online or call 101 quoting reference 520 of 11/12.