Police respond following spate of break-ins in the Midhurst area

Reports of break-ins to a number of pubs in the area have caused concern in the community and have sparked a call for police to address the situation.

The Hamilton Arms in Stedham, the Elsted Inn in Midhurst, Three Horseshoes in Midhurst and the Dean Inn in West Dean have all confirmed break-ins.

A number of unconfirmed reports have come in of break-ins to other commercial properties in the area.

Police have said they will be appealing for information in the near future.

Midhurst Town Council chairman Mark Purves said: "We have asked the police chief inspector what they are doing to actually investigate this and prevent it.

"It's important to make sure that people report every crime so police have a record of it. Some people haven't reported it and it all builds."

Chief Inspector Jon Carter said: "We have set up overt and covert responses to this series of incidents, some of which may well be linked, working with partners and other force level teams in a bid to identify those responsible.

"We would urge anyone with information about any of the incidents to come forward to assist the prevention team in gathering evidence."

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