Action urged over tower block parcel thefts

People living in tower blocks in an east Brighton suburb are calling for action to be taken to stop their parcels being stolen.

High-rise residents at the top end of Whitehawk have raised concerns about packages being targeted by thieves when deliveries are left in communal areas, rather than taken to their doors.

In a written question submitted to Brighton & Hove City Council's housing management panel they have asked what is being done to help prevent the thefts.

Housing customer services manager Robert Keelan advised people to instruct courier services not to leave parcels in "lobbies and hallways which are vulnerable to theft, particularly where unauthorised access occurs".

He added residents should also make use of alternative delivery options such as parcel lockers, shops or post offices, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Another suggestion was to use doorbell cameras, provided they were approved by the council.

However, Keelan said requests for the authority to install parcel lockers was not a possibility as "this would require significant infrastructure and external provider involvement".

Both the council and Sussex Police have been previously informed about the parcel theft issue, it having been raised before at panel meetings where residents, councillors and housing officials meet to discuss problems and share information.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Sussex on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.