Six farms targeted in single night of burglaries

Six sites have been hit in a single night of burglaries at farms and farm shops in East Sussex, police say.

The incidents happened in Little Horsted, Hadlow Down, Mark Cross, Ringmer, Glynde and Mayfield across Friday night and Saturday morning, Sussex Police said.

The owners of South Brockwells Farm Shop near Uckfield previously said they lost all their Christmas stock and butchering equipment, while other sites also reported alcohol being taken.

Det Insp Rob Tillyer said: "It is unusual to have multiple locations to be targeted in one evening but it is likely that these were opportunists and we consider the incidents linked."

Patrols from neighbourhood officers and those in the force's rural crime team have been increased and rural businesses have been urged to keep entrances, buildings and vehicles secure and to report any suspicious behaviour.

"We have attended each location, completed initial enquiries with the assistance of forensic examiners where suitable and we are reviewing CCTV," Tillyer added.

"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."

Sussex Police said it was looking for information about a white Vauxhall van, which was found near one of the sites.

The force is also encouraging anyone with information which could help officers to contact them.

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