Tracing a distinctive stolen motorbike could help solve another burglary in Hove which detectives believe is linked to a string of similar thefts across Sussex.
This £8k red and white Honda CBR motorcycle, registration RO13 MZV, was taken on New Year’s Day from a house in Hayward’s Heath. Thieves also took a grey Audi S4 Quattro.
The thieves have been breaking into houses during the daytime and evenings while occupants are out, stealing car keys, and then taking the vehicle from the driveway or garage. Jewellery and cash has also been taken from the houses in nine of the cases.
Offences happened in Horsham, Haywards Heath, Worthing, Henfield, Steyning, Partridge Green Shoreham and Hove.
There have been no further burglaries of this type reported since 18 January but residents are still reminded to take precautions to help avoid becoming victims.
Detective Constable Jamie Carruthers of the West Sussex Priority Crime Team said; “If you have seen this bike since the start of January, please let us know.
“If you can help in this or any other way please report online here quoting Operation Apricot. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 (www.crimestoppers-uk.org)
A white Hyundai i40, stolen in one of the burglaries, at Hythe Close, Worthing, on 18 December, was found abandoned in Camberwell, South London, on the morning of Monday (23 January). It had been involved in a minor collision with roadside furniture due to the icy road conditions.
A Vauxhall Mokka stolen from Partridge Green had already been recovered in West Yorkshire on 14 January and a man and a woman were arrested there on suspicion of theft of the vehicle and burglary. After being interviewed they were released on police bail until 2 March.
The Audi stolen from Haywards Heath was recovered in Saltdean on 18 January.
