Two men who targeted rural properties in Rye and Northiam as part of a crime spree across southern England have been jailed. Bill Harber (22) and Joseph Brazil (19) were both sentenced to 30 months in prison.
The pair from Essendon in Hertfordshire were remanded into custody following their arrest and appeared at St Albans Crown Court in connection with thefts at Rye and Northiam in November 2023, and further burglaries in Devon, Norfolk, Devon, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire until January 2024. Their eight theft offences primarily targeted rural areas and included stealing tools, equipment and three vehicles and property worth more than £44,000.
Sergeant Carlo Leone, formerly of the Sussex Police’s Rural Crime Team, said the impact of thefts and burglaries from farms and rural properties should not be underestimated. “These are hard-working people who are already facing significant financial struggles with soaring production costs. The theft of tools, machinery or equipment that is necessary for carrying out their work could be the difference between staying afloat or losing their business and home.”
“There is also the hidden impact – ultimately it affects the price of food on our tables. Sussex Police recognises these issues and utilises both their dedicated Rural Crime Team and Neighbourhood Policing Teams to engage with the rural community, make real relationships, develop intelligence and offer reassurance patrols for people who often feel isolated and vulnerable.”
Image Credits: Hertfordshire Police .