Police have launched an investigation following a series of linked burglaries across Wealden, East Sussex, that targeted six rural locations over the weekend of November 6 and 7.
Authorities believe a group of four suspects traveled between Little Horsted, Hadlow Down, Mark Cross, Ringmer, Glynde, and Mayfield, looting various properties. The items stolen include butchery tools, alcohol, and meat stocks.
The impact of the criminal spree has been severe for local businesses, particularly South Brockwells Farm Shop in Little Horsted. The shop was forced to close its doors on November 7, with owners declaring that the burglary had left them unable to continue operations. A subsequent community fundraiser has since raised over £14,000 to assist the shop in its efforts to recover and reopen.
Detective Inspector Rob Tillyer of the Sussex Police Burglary Team described the nature of the crimes as highly unusual.
“It is rare to have multiple locations targeted in a single evening, but it is likely these were opportunists and we are treating the incidents as linked,” said DI Tillyer. “We recognise the hugely disruptive and intrusive nature of these offences, and we have provided a combined response from our Neighbourhood Policing, Rural Crime, and Burglary teams.”
Officers have conducted forensic examinations at each of the affected scenes and are currently reviewing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators. Police have released images of four individuals seen on camera breaking into one of the targeted farms. Furthermore, investigators are seeking information regarding a white Vauxhall van spotted in the vicinity of one of the incidents.
In response to the crime wave, Sussex Police have increased patrols in the affected areas.
“We can assure the victims that we are making extensive enquiries with the aim of identifying the offenders, bringing them to justice, and recovering stolen items,” DI Tillyer added.
Police are urging anyone who may have relevant CCTV or dashcam footage, or who holds any information that could assist in the investigation, to come forward. Members of the public are asked to contact the force via 101, quoting the reference “Op Trek.”
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