Gang huntedfor burglary

The gang are though to have been responsible for burglaries at Weald View and Sheringham Close in Robertsbridge and park Shaw in Battle, often smashing their way into homes.

The burglaries took place between September 17 and October 28.

Detective Inspector Dave Wardley-Wilkins said: “A common theme through the burglaries has been the fact that they have used a silver Audi on false numberplates as a getaway car.

“We believe one group of burglars are involved but at this stage we do not know if it is exactly the same group of people each time. A number of people are involved but the make-up of the group may change depending on who is available.

“The burglars are targeting homes in some of the more expensive areas of Sussex, smashing doors or windows to get in and stealing gold jewellery in particular, after a quick search of the properties.

“We urgently need the public’s help to identify these people so we can trace and arrest them.”

“Officers are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area of the burglaries on the days they were committed or the days before and who may have seen people acting suspiciously.

Of particular interest is anyone seen with a silver Audi that is fitted with numberplates that have been cloned from another, unrelated car of the same type and colour.

The numberplates could be switched after the burglaries so police would also like information from anyone who may have seen cars having their numberplates changed or who has found abandoned numberplates.

Sussex Police launched Operation Magpie to tackle burglary across the county.

Anyone with information should email [email protected] quoting Operation Smart, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

If you have any information about burglaries or shops selling stolen goods, call 101 or email [email protected]. For crime prevention advice visit www.sussex.police.uk.If you see or hear a burglary taking place call 999 immediately.