Police appeal after burglaries

On Saturday thieves made off with a flat screen TV, Nintendo Wii, laptop, iPod and jewellery, including watches, bracelets, rings and pendants, after breaking into a home in Rowbarns, Battle, between 1.30pm and 6.30pm.

The week before, two more homes were targeted, one in Netherfield Road in Battle on November 23 and another at Ridgeway, Hurst Green, four days later.

All three of the burglaries are being linked.

Thieves helped themselves to antique jewellery worth £2,000, including gold chains, lockets, rings, Victorian/Georgian-sytle bracelets and perfume bottles from the property in Netherfield Road.

Jewellery worth £1,000 was taken from a home in Ridgeway between 7pm and 10pm on November 27, while the occupant was away on holiday.

In each incident, the intruders had forced or smashed a rear window to get into the building.

Sussex Police has issued advice to help Rother residents guard themselves against burglars.

Det Insp Ian Williams said: “At this time of year, rates of burglary are always higher because the evenings have drawn in and people should take common sense measures when they are out.

“Leave a light on, close windows and ensure doors are locked and secured. Always make sure valuables are kept out of sight.”

He added: “People should be reassured that burglaries have been down in Rother year in, year out, and it’s unusual to see linked crimes of this nature.”