Police hunt serial burglar

Antiques and silver items are amongst the items taken in the latest raids on properties in Burwash and Ticehurst.

On Good Friday (April 2) a neighbour reported a burglary of a house in The Warren, Ticehurst, while the owner was away on holiday.

Items were found to have been moved around and another room was searched.

On the same day, the home of an elderly lady in Rother Close, Burwash, was targeted.

Thieves got into the back of the building by climbing over fencing and hedges from a neighbouring garden.

And the thieves returned to Ticehurst the next day (April 3), making off with an antique clock, silver items and various other antiques from a property in Pashley Road.

The house was targeted whilst the occupant was out.

Police say they are linking the three break ins to a series of other burglaries which have taken place in rural Rother over the last couple of months.

Properties in Battle, Bodiam and Burwash have been targeted, and a number of expensive items taken.

Electrical goods, including a television, Nintendo Wii games console, PlayStation 3 games console, a computer and a digital camera, money, jewellery and ornaments are just some of the items stolen in the raids.

Some of the break-ins are taking place during the day, whilst others have happened whilst the victim has been away on holiday.

Another common factor linking the incidents is each time the thieves have smashed a window or glass door at the back of the property to gain entry.

But there may have been a breakthrough, as police say an item used in the break-in at The Warren was found outside the property and is to be examined by scenes of crime officers.

Some blood was also found at the scene.

Police enquiries are continuing and officers are asking people to remain vigilant.

Sussex Police are liaising with Kent Police as it is believed the offenders could be coming into the county from across the border.

Sergeant Dan Russell, of Battle police, said: "The rural burglaries are continuing to be being linked.

"We are working with our colleagues in Kent as we believe this is potentially cross-border crime.

"A number of initiatives are being undertaken in relation to reassurance patrols and crime prevention opportunities.

"This includes the use of Neighbourhood Watch and Farm Watch.

"Once again please contact us immediately if you see anything suspicious."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999.