CCTV footage released after gang of four hits six farms in East Sussex overnight
Sussex Police released CCTV images of four suspects following a string of burglaries at farms and farm shops across Wealden on 6–7 November.
Six Wealden farms targeted in single night by group of four
Sussex Police have released CCTV images of four individuals believed to be behind a series of overnight burglaries at farms and farm shops across Wealden, East Sussex, The Argus reports.
The incidents occurred between Friday 6 November and Saturday 7 November, with officers linking six locations: Little Horsted, Hadlow Down, Mark Cross, Ringmer, Glynde, and Mayfield. Items taken include meat stocks, butchery tools, and alcohol.
One of the targeted premises, South Brockwells Farm Shop in Little Horsted, closed on 7 November after the break-in left it unable to continue trading. A subsequent fundraiser collected more than £14,000 in an effort to prevent permanent closure.
Detective Inspector Rob Tillyer, from the Burglary Team, said the scale of the operation was out of the ordinary. "It is unusual to have multiple locations targeted in one evening, but it is likely that these were opportunists and we consider the incidents linked," he said. Tillyer added that officers recognise "the hugely disruptive and intrusive nature of these offences" and confirmed that the Neighbourhood Policing, Rural Crime Team, and Burglary Teams have provided a combined response.
Forensic examiners attended each scene where appropriate, and CCTV footage is being reviewed. Police are also seeking information about a white Vauxhall van found near one of the locations.
Neighbourhood and rural crime officers have since increased patrols across the affected area.
Anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage relevant to the investigation is asked to contact police on 101, quoting Op Trek.
Source: The Argus