Police officers were seen on patrol inside Churchill Square in Brighton today at around 2.30pm. Two police cars were parked outside at the same time.
Two security staff were also patrolling the shopping centre.
This came after rumours circulated online of a possible shoplifting raid on JD Sports.
It is believed the raid has been discussed on social media messaging platform Snapchat.
Two police officers on patrol next to JD Sports this afternoon (Image: The Argus)
Members of staff at the JD Sports store told The Argus that they were aware of the possible raid and had taken necessary precautions.
One staff member suggested that the attack, if it was to materialise, was expected around 4pm.
A police officer inside Churchill Square told The Argus that police presence inside the shopping centre was part of “routine patrolling”.
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “We are aware of information circulating on social media around proposed organised shoplifting in Churchill Square, Brighton on Friday, May 29.
“There are increased patrols in the area to deter to potential offending and ensure community safety, and we are working with businesses and partners to protect businesses, effectively manage any response required, and bring any perpetrators of crime to justice.”
There were lots of police officers and security guards on watch around 4pm (Image: The Argus)
JD Sports has been contacted for further comment.
Later on, there was a large presence of police officers and security guards at Churchill Square, both inside and out, ahead of the anticipated 4pm attack.
The doors at the front of the store, facing out onto the street, were closed for around an hour, with security personnel guarding the entrance.
A group of around 15 teenage boys did accumulate near the inside entrance to JD Sports shortly after 4pm.
One boy was overheard saying to another: “You ready for the JD raid, bro?”
The second boy replied: “Is that actually happening?”
To which the first boy said: “Nah, they shut down the whole of JD.”
Police on patrol outside JD Sports around 4.30pm (Image: The Argus)
The Brighton incident follows a series of similar Snapchat and TikTok-organised raids that have targeted retail centres across the country in recent months.
In late March 2026, Clapham High Street in south London was twice swarmed by several hundred teenagers in what became one of the most significant examples of the trend.
The children arranged to meet in so-called “link-ups” using social media apps including TikTok and Snapchat before surging into shops on March 28 and March 31.
JD Sports’ Churchill Square entrance was closed off amid social media reports of a shoplifting raid (Image: NQ)
Staff working in Clapham described having to lock their doors after teenagers ran amok, with food establishments appearing to be the primary targets.
Around 80 youths entered chicken restaurant Rooster Spot, whilst the local McDonald’s reported incidents of food theft.
Marks & Spencer’s high street location experienced damage on the Saturday incident and chose to close early on the Tuesday to avoid further harm.
Security guards were also seen patrolling the shopping centre (Image: The Argus)
After the unrest on Saturday, 100 police officers were sent to Clapham on Tuesday, four of whom were assaulted, along with one member of the public.
Six teenage girls were arrested following the two incidents—three girls aged 17 and two aged 13 on Tuesday on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, and two 16-year-old girls and one aged 15 on Saturday on suspicion of shoplifting and assault.
The Metropolitan Police imposed a 48-hour dispersal order as a result.
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