Spate of Rother shed break-ins

Over the last couple of weeks, a number of burglaries have been reported in Battle, Crowhurst, Staplecross, Whatlington, Burwash Weald and Stonegate.

A Hayter lawn mower and Honda engine were stolen from a shed in North Trade Road in Battle while two Stihl chainsaws were taken from a shed at Wattle Hill Oast, Staplecross.

Meanwhile a 15 gear turquoise blue Claude Butler racing bike, worth £300, was stolen from a shed in Cottenden Road, Stonegate.

Two sheds were broken into in Forewood Lane in Crowhurst and a shed in Hatfield Road, Burwash Weald, but the thieves fled all three empty-handed.

PC Karen Heyes said: “It seems we are seeing an increase in sheds and outbuildings being broken into throughout the entire area.

“We will soon be organising Operation Marker events in affected areas to offer advice and free security marking to help deter this type of crime but in the meantime please do not hesitate to contact me or your local officer about property marking.”

Police are offering crime prevention advice, which includes securing sheds with strong hinges, a good padlock and possibly an alarm, padlocking ladders, putting garden furniture away when not in use and installing security lighting. Security mark all tools and fittings, including garden furniture, and check household insurance policies cover theft from gardens and outbuildings.

For more information, call Sussex Police on 101.