Sussex Police report:

Since August there have been 26 break-ins at towns and villages across the Horsham district that detectives believe have been committed by the same people. The offences began in August in Storrington but have spread to Coolham, Henfield, Steyning, Horsham, Pulborough, Bramber, Billingshurst, Kirdford, West Chiltington and Ashurst as well as Petworth in the Chichester district. The thieves have escaped with jewellery, cash and unusual household ornaments.

Katy Wood, from the Operation Magpie team, said: “We believe the offenders could be cold-calling at homes to try to work out who is in and whether they are likely to have valuables. We think they are then returning when no one is home — perhaps because the residents have told them they won’t be there — and breaking in”.

The victims closest to Fulking were located at Broomfield Road in Henfield, Kings Barn Lane in Steyning, Maudlyn Park in Bramber, and School Lane in Ashurst.