An elderly couple woke to find two burglars in their home in Withyham Avenue, Saltdean.
Two men wearing stockings over their faces entered the bedroom of the couple as they slept.
The woman woke to find one man standing at the foot of the bed and another in the doorway.
Both men ran from the house stealing jewellery, money and a computer.
Detective Constable Rowan Carter said: “This has been a terrible experience for the couple and we are doing everything we can to find these two men.
“We believe they ran up a pathway by Longridge Avenue towards Marine Drive.
“If you were in this area at this time and saw anything suspicious please contact us immediately.”
The burglary happened at about 1.50am on Tuesday (30 November).
One of the men suspects is described as about 5ft 10in tall and of large build.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
