Police smash burglary gang

Four police forces have been involved in the hunt for the professional gang they believe may be comprised of up to 12 burglars.

Homes broken into locally include properties at Weald View and Sheringham Close, at Robertsbridge, and Park Shaw at Sedlescombe.

On each occasion the offenders have driven to their victims’ homes in a silver or dark car, usually an Audi or BMW, before breaking in at the back of the properties and stealing cash, jewellery and electrical items.

Five people were arrested after a police pursuit in Billingshurst during which a Ford Focus was carjacked by a group of men in a silver Volkswagen Golf.

A 24-year-old man from Sidcup in Greater London, a 29-year-old man from South Eckendon in Essex, a 20-year-old man from Billingshurst in West Sussex and a 16-year-old boy and a 28-year-old man from Reigate in Surrey were arrested on suspicion of burglary and released on bail until February 21.

Police recovered a quantity of jewellery.

Detectives from Sussex, Surrey, Kent and the Metropolitan Police have been working together to try to identify and arrest a group of people suspected of carrying out break-ins in all four force areas since September.

A reward worth up to £10,500 has been put up for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of any of those involved in the burglaries.