£10,ooo reward to catch thieves

Police are now linking break-ins which have happened across Sussex, Kent and Surrey, including burglaries at properties in Robertsbridge and Sedlescombe.

Sussex Police, Kent Police and Surrey Police have now each contributed £2,500 to a reward to help catch the offenders - a total of £7,500 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved.

Independent from the police, the charity Crimestoppers is offering its own reward of up to £3,000 for information that is passed anonymously through the organisation’s 0800 555111 number that leads to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for these crimes.

The group of burglars usually smash doors or windows to get into the homes, carry out quick searches and steal gold jewellery in particular.

They are believed to be using at least two vehicles to carry out the burglaries, a silver Audi and a blue Ford Mondeo, both of which are being driven on false number plates.

Detective Inspector Dave Wardley-Wilkins said: “The offences across the region are so similar that it we have to presume that they are all linked.

“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. “In each case the burglars appear to be looking for jewellery and often leave other valuable items behind.”