Haywards’ Heist: Eyewear Worth Thousands Taken in Broad Daylight Theft

Officers in Haywards Heath are calling on the public to assist in identifying two men believed to be responsible for a high-value theft at Leightons Opticians. The incident occurred at approximately 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, within The Orchards Shopping Centre, where designer sunglasses valued in the thousands were reportedly stolen. According to Sussex […]

Officers in Haywards Heath are calling on the public to assist in identifying two men believed to be responsible for a high-value theft at Leightons Opticians. The incident occurred at approximately 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, within The Orchards Shopping Centre, where designer sunglasses valued in the thousands were reportedly stolen.

According to Sussex Police, the suspects entered the store posing as customers and began browsing the eyewear collection. Staff at Leightons noted suspicious behavior as the men started grabbing multiple sunglasses at once. The employees reacted swiftly, locking the display cabinet and attempting to retrieve the taken items.

Despite staff intervention, the two men allegedly forced their way past employees and exited the premises. Fortunately, CCTV captured clear footage of the suspects as they walked through The Orchards Shopping Centre shortly after the theft.

The first suspect is described as wearing a light blue baseball cap featuring an ‘A’, a white vest, tan-colored jeans, and a rucksack. The second man was seen in a black baseball cap, a blue tracksuit adorned with pink Nike logos, matching Nike trainers, and also carrying a rucksack. He is further described as having a short beard and moustache.

Appeal for Witnesses and CCTV Evidence

Sussex Police urge anyone with relevant information to contact them via their website or by calling 101 and quoting serial 144 of 15/05. Their cooperation could be instrumental in recovering the stolen goods and ensuring justice is served.