CCTV footage released of Steyning burglary suspect

Detectives believe the same gang of burglars may be responsible for 45 break-ins across Sussex since August.

Thieves have targeted homes in Storrington, Coolham, Henfield, Steyning, Horsham, Pulborough, Bramber, Billingshurst, Kirdford, West Chiltington and Ashurst in recent months.

The offences have spread across the south with areas in the Chichester, Wealden and Lewes districts also affected, police said.

In an effort to identify a suspect, police have released CCTV footage of a man breaking into a home in Kings Barn Lane in Steyning on August 14.

To watch the footage on YouTube click here.

Three Storrington homes were burgled by the offenders on November 19, police said.

The thieves broke into each property in Rapley Avenue, Palmer Close and Dean Way through a back door or window, searched and escaped with selected items of jewellery and valuable items, such as the ornamental plate above.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said victims include people that have gone on holiday and the elderly.

It is believed the offenders could be cold-calling at homes to find out who is in and whether they are likely to have valuables in the property.

Katy Wood, from Sussex Police’s Operation Magpie team, said: “We urgently need the public’s help to identify who is responsible.

“Don’t let cold callers into your home and please report anyone acting suspiciously in your home or nearby to us immediately. Please consider fitting an alarm if you don’t have one, fit timers to your lights so they do on when you are not there and make sure you leave your home secure.

“If you see someone behaving oddly at a neighbour’s home call us - we would rather come out for a false alarm than miss the chance to arrest a burglar.”

If you have any information about the offences you can email [email protected], call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.