£15,000 CRIME NIGHT

Police received reports of break-ins and thefts across Steyning and Upper Beeding overnight on Sunday, November 12.

A van and garage at a house in Coombe Road, Steyning, were both raided, as were vans parked in Maines Farm Road and School Road, Upper Beeding.

Thieves also attempted to break into a van in Laines Road, Steyning, but were unsuccessful.

In another incident, on the same night, fishing equipment was stolen from a garage in Penfold Way, Steyning.

Police are linking the thefts and believe the same group is responsible. Inspector Marcus Potter explained that catching the culprits would be difficult.

He said: "A crew like that turns up to 'x' number of vehicles and then goes. We have got inquiries that are ongoing, but it is extremely difficult to solve them."

PC Dawn Ross, also of Steyning police, urged residents to be vigilant and said anyone seeing or hearing anything suspicious should report it immediately.

"We would rather come out for something that is not anything rather than come out and have missed something," said PC Ross.

Insp Potter said if people had to leave power tools in sheds, garages or vans, they should make sure security was tight.

He added keeping a record of tools' serial numbers could prove invaluable in helping police secure convictions should suspects be arrested.

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to contact police at Steyning on 0845 6070999.