Spate of Co-op break-ins linked

Early morning raids on 12 Co-operative shops in Sussex in the last four weeks have been linked by police.

The overnight break-ins happened between 15 December and 9 January, with four raids happening on one night.

On each occasion two or three offenders have either smashed a hole in the front door or used a fire exit to break in, then escaped in a vehicle.

Sussex Police said large quantities of cigarettes and alcohol have been stolen from the shops.

Stores in Saltdean, Pagham, Southwick, Forest Row, Partridge Green and Nevill Road, Hove have been affected.

There have also been two raids in each of the stores in Patcham, Woodingdean and Steyning.

Det Ins Lee Horner, from Sussex Police, said: "It is possible that these items are being offered for sale at a discount, so if anyone has information which may help with our enquiries, please contact Sussex Police."

People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.