Daylight burglaries at four homes on the same day

Homes in Northiam and Crowhurst, and two in Bexhill were targeted by thieves in daylight raids on Monday.

Jewellery valued at more than £600 was stolen from a property in Dixter Lane, Northiam, some time after 10am.

Cash, a Sony Blu-ray player and a Philips stereo speaker were taken from a property in Forewood Lane, Crowhurst, between 11am-2pm on the same day.

Two other burglaries were reported to have happened in Bexhill on Monday.

Various items of jewellery and electrical equipment was stolen from homes in Hillside Road and Peartree Lane in the town, both during the day.

The break-ins are the latest in a spate of reported burglaries in the rural Rother area.

Last week, the Observer reported how thieves made off with a television and jewellery from a home in Rock Hill in Staplecross on October 4 and, in a separate incident, items of silverware were stolen from a home in Wittersham Road, Iden, on October 3.

Other burglaries have been reported in Battle, Sedlescombe, Catsfield and Bexhill in recent weeks.

Although Sussex Police have confirmed they believe the same person was responsible for the two latest break-ins in Bexhill, the Force says it is still not linking any of the other burglaries at this time.

However one officer told the Observer they were “keeping an open mind” about the incidents at Northiam and Crowhurst.

Police have stepped up patrols in the areas which have been affected and have handed out leaflets containing crime prevention advice to residents.

DC Alex Campbell, from Sussex Police, said: “Even though the great majority of burglaries occur when homes are empty it can be a harrowing experience for both the victims and neighbours.

“Just knowing someone has entered your home illegally can feel like a violation.

“Our local Neighbourhood Policing Teams visit victims and people in the local area to offer advice and reassurance and I’d like to reinforce that advice.

“Do not make it easy for burglars, please ensure windows and doors are secured, valuable items are left out of sight and when leaving your property do not make it obvious that it is empty, ie use timer switches on lights or even on your radio.

“Also, please security mark your property, local police officers can offer this service for free and security marking valuable items make them less enticing for thieves, more difficult to sell on and easier to return if found.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101.