On 25 February 2026, Sussex Police released security images of a man they want to identify following an attempted robbery in Crawley, West Sussex. The incident took place on 15 December 2025 in an alleyway located between Hambleton Hill and Caburn Heights in the Southgate area. A 15-year-old girl was walking through the path at approximately 5:40 PM when a man approached her and tried to grab her mobile phone.
The suspect is described as a South Asian man who is about 5 feet 11 inches tall and was wearing dark clothing. After the struggle, the man fled the scene on foot in the direction of Ditchling Hill. Officers are now asking local residents and business owners in Southgate to check their doorbell and security cameras for any footage that might assist the investigation.
Statistics from CrimeRate indicate that Crawley had an overall crime rate of 94 offences per 1,000 people during 2025. This figure is 53 per cent higher than the average for the rest of West Sussex, which saw 62 crimes per 1,000 people. Local police are prioritising the identification of the suspect to help prevent future incidents in these residential corridors.
The appeal for information follows a period of investigative work by Sussex Police after initial leads were exhausted. Members of the community who recognise the man or have any details regarding the incident are encouraged to get in touch with the authorities to help the case progress.
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