Police priority to catch the Sidley burglar

The raider struck a further three times on Saturday night, (June 7) bringing the tally for last week to six burglaries and the total ascribed to the one individual over a two-month period to at least 15.

But the burglar has made a crucial mistake. During one of a number of burglaries in Sidley in the early hours of Sunday a witness got a good look at him.

He is described as a teenager, between 5ft 10ins and 6ft with distinctive sharp features.

It is also known that he often wears dark clothing.

Detective Inspector Trevor Bowles, head of Rother CID, is leading the hunt for the youth.

He said: "A number of people have been affected by this man. He is creating victims in the wake of his criminal activity and my detective officers and Neighbourhood Policing Team colleagues at Bexhill are determined to catch him.

"The people of Sidley want him caught and we are looking to them for their help.

"We are looking at this series of offences under one investigation, Operation Discern.

"We have a number of lines of inquiry. We are examining CCTV evidence in the area and we are continuing to work with witnesses.

"Offences of domestic burglary are viewed very seriously by the court, and recent sentences reflect that."

The total value of property stolen amounts to only 234. But in some instances when the raider has been disturbed he has pushed the elderly householder about as he makes his escape.

Inspector Max Mosley is concerned that the series of raids is increasing the fear of crime in the town.

The burglar is believed to be local. He displays local knowledge in targeting homes not covered by Neighbourhood Watch scAnyone with information about the burglaries is asked to ring Rother CID at Bexhill police station on 0845 6070999 or use the free and confidential Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 number.