Joyce from Good News Newsagents says police struggled to track suspects' whereabouts due to lack of cameras
The owner of a Chichester newsagent is calling for more CCTV to be put in the city centre after suffering 'several' break ins.
Joyce, of Good News Newsagents on St Martin's street, says that police struggled to track the direction of travel of a group of three boys who fled after breaking into her shop in the early hours of the 7th of May. The shop suffered a broken window, but the trio failed to access any "stock or money."
Joyce explained: "Our business is alarmed, which sends an alert straight to the police.
"They saw the car lights and climbed out of the windows. If Chichester still had operational CCTV, the police would have been able to look at their direction of travel."
She adds that two of the suspects were wearing masks when they broke in, but she believes they captured an image of them outside neighbouring business Stephen Lawrence during the daytime which can be used.
While describing the police as 'very good' and due to take fingerprints from the scene soon, Joyce offered that a stronger police presence in the centre would be beneficial.
"We're an independent business and we've got to cover the cost of repairing the window, the mess and we weren't able to serve customers this morning.
"In today's current climate, you don't need this, as Chichester's suffering from a lack of footfall as it is."
She estimates the cost of the damages to be around £300, including an investment into toughened glass.
But she thanks her customers for their continued support: "Our customers are so kind and thank god they keep using us."
A sign outside the shop is asking any witnesses to call 01243 778877.
Sussex Police said: "Police responded to a break-in at Good News newsagents in St Martin’s Street, Chichester, shortly after 4am on Wednesday (June 7).
"Store owners attended the premises after the security alarm was activated at 4.05am. Upon arrival, they found a window had been smashed and entry gained to the shop.
"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone who saw what happened, or who saw any suspicious behaviour in the area around that time, is asked to get in touch.
"Anyone with information can contact police online or by calling 101 quoting serial 116 of 07/06."
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