Police warning after increase in burglaries

The evenings are still getting darker earlier and with the festivities over, homes are likely to be empty during the day and early evening while residents are out at work.

Detective Inspector Tanya Jones said: “It is important for residents to make sure their properties look like they have someone at home. We always encourage people to leave lights on or use timers so they come on if they are not at home. Don’t make it easy for burglars to know you are not in. Use security lights which are activated by movement to light up the outside of your property and make sure all your external doors are properly secured with extra locks.

“If you see something which isn’t right or people acting suspiciously in your area please call the police and report it. You know what is out of place in your road.”

Mid Sussex and Horsham districts have had an increase in burglaries since September. The last break-in was from a house in Paddockhurst Road in Turners Hill on January 8 between 10am and 6.30pm.

An untidy search had been made of the house and electrical items and jewellery had been stolen.

On December 23 a house was broken into in Guildford Road, Horsham between December 15 and December 23.

The burglars gained access through a conservatory door and stole a laptop.

On January 5 a property on Riverside in Upper Beeding was broken into and an untidy search was made of the bedrooms and jewellery was taken.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious is asked to contact police on 101 quoting Operation Molloy in Horsham or Operation Regatta in Mid Sussex.

A 26-year-old man from Surrey has been arrested on suspicion of burglary with links to 13 burglaries in Mid Sussex between September 18 and October 22.

He has been bailed until February 11 while further enquiries take place.