A man has been jailed for committing two business burglaries in Crawley.

Harvey Brackpool broke into Tesco Express in Commonwealth Drive on 8 November and stole cigarettes and a charity box. Then on 10 November he broke into Starbucks in Queens Square and stole a charity box.

The 22-year-old, of no fixed address, was arrested on 9 December and charged the same day to appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 10 December.

He pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced to 24 weeks’ imprisonment and ordered to pay £100 compensation.

Brackpool was described by the court as having a flagrant disregard for people and their property.

Chief Inspector Steve Turner, District Commander for Crawley and Mid Sussex, said: “We are committed to bringing more offenders to justice and safeguarding our community, including local businesses from burglars.

“Our teams worked tirelessly to ensure Brackpool was charged, and this swift conviction highlights our strong stance against burglars.

“We will continue to target suspects and ensure communities feel safe and protected.”

Families looking for a magical Christmas getaway will benefit from a greater choice of flights to Lapland from London Gatwick this winter, alongside additional ski and winter sun destinations.

With 11 new services launching ahead of the Christmas holidays, passengers will have the choice of 227 destinations from 55 airlines, including additional flights to Rovaniemi and Ivalo in Finland – popular gateways to Lapland.

These new services, operated by Norwegian and British Airways respectively, will complement existing flights to both destinations, alongside Kittila and Kuusamo, meaning 28 flights per week will depart London Gatwick for the home of Father Christmas.

Other new routes recently underway include short-haul flights to Evenes (Norway), Luxor (Egypt), and Brest (France), while a new service to ski destination Chambery (France) starts on 14 December.

Stephanie Wear, VP Aviation Development, London Gatwick said: “It’s fantastic that London Gatwick can offer passengers such an exciting range of destinations this winter, whether for holidays, visiting family and friends at Christmas, or business trips.  

“As London Gatwick continues to grow, we are delighted to continue build our already extensive network and provide passengers with outstanding choice and competition, as we work towards our vision of becoming the airport for everyone, whatever your journey.” 

New London Gatwick services (November – December 2024)

A 90-year-old man has died in a house fire in Dorking, Surrey Police has said.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said it was called to the blaze on Leslie Road just after 09:00 BST.

The man was confirmed dead after 16:00 GMT by Surrey Police. The force said his next of kin had been informed.

In a statement, the force said: “A cordon remains in place along Leslie Road and officers from Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service will remain at the scene as they carry out enquiries.”

Four fire engines were at the scene, said SFRS, and crews had used six sets of breathing apparatus, two thermal imaging cameras and one jet.

SFRS said a fire investigation was under way.

Photo credit:  Reigate and Banstead Borough Council

The borough of Reigate and Banstead will soon see changes to domestic and commercial waste recycling services. 

The Simpler Recycling legislation in the UK aims to make it easier and more consistent for everyone by March 2026.  Although the Council’s household collection service already fits this model for over 80% of properties in the borough, there remain 5,500 properties, mainly flats, where it is more difficult for the recycling vehicles to access or where there are limited bin storage facilities.  Newly available funding will speed up the process for the Council to fully comply with the legislation. 

The trade waste service to 650 business customers will be gradually withdrawn and an alternative provider will be sought.  The collection service for schools and colleges will continue and will be moved to the Council’s existing domestic rounds.