Sussex Police has linked burglaries in Steyning and Pulborough to two others in West Sussex. In all four, thieves got in through a first-floor window and took jewellery.

Sussex Police is appealing for information after four burglaries in West Sussex, two of them in Horsham district. The force says it is treating them as linked.

In all four, the force says, the burglars got in through a first-floor window. They took items including jewellery.

Where and when

The force gives these times and places (Sussex Police, 22 October 2026):

Date Time Place
Tuesday 13 October About 1pm An address at Lurgashall, near Petworth
Tuesday 13 October 8pm to 9pm Addresses in Horsham Road, Steyning, and Church Lane, Horsted Keynes
Thursday 15 October 7pm to 8pm An address in Stall House Lane, North Heath, Pulborough

Steyning and North Heath are in Horsham district. Lurgashall is in Chichester district, and Horsted Keynes is in Mid Sussex.

Officers say their investigations are continuing. Anyone with information can report it to Sussex Police online, or call 101 quoting Operation Summit. If a burglary is happening, call 999.

How common this is

Burglary is rare in both places. Police.uk records two burglaries within a mile of the centre of Steyning, and one within a mile of the centre of Pulborough, across June, July and August 2026. August is the latest month published (data.police.uk).

That is why a linked series stands out. Those figures do not cover October, so they do not yet include these break-ins.

What it means for you

The force’s advice centres on upstairs windows, because that is how all four homes were entered:

  • Lock windows and doors on every floor when they are not in use, not just the ground floor.
  • Fit sash stops and key-operated window locks, and use them.
  • Motion-sensor outside lights can startle burglars and put them off.
  • A motion-sensor camera can alert your phone to an intruder.
  • An accredited burglar alarm with sensors on the upper floors helps. Mount it high, where it cannot be tampered with, and make sure it is audible. Signs saying you have one can deter burglars too.
  • Keep valuables, especially jewellery, in a fire-rated safe fixed to a wall or floor.

More advice is on the Sussex Police crime prevention pages. Report anything suspicious on 101.

Sources