This corner of Brighton police station resembles an “Aladdin's Cave” of stolen treasures.

Officers have recovered an array of stolen items taken in a series of burglaries from the communal areas of flats and other properties across the city.

But they are still hunting for other items reported stolen, including a stolen Salvador Dali statue worth £24,000.

Officers at John Street Station in Brighton are trying to reunite a painting, signs, brass door knobs, fittings, antiques and ornaments with their owners.

They are believed to have been stolen in about 30 crimes around Brighton and Hove between March and October last year.

A Sussex Police spokesman said the station has been temporarily transformed into an “Aladdin's Cave” of treasures.

He added: “But good police work has since resulted in many items being traced and recovered.

“Detectives now have the problem of re-uniting recovered items with their rightful owners, and so they are urging anyone who has lost possessions to get in touch.”

Detective Constable Richard Valder-Davis (COR) added: "Most of the properties targeted were large, historic apartment blocks in Brighton and Hove.

“The items recovered are all unique and identifiable.

“Unfortunately some valuables known to have been stolen are still missing.

“They include a limited edition, bronze statue Horse Saddled With Time created by the prominent Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali, worth an estimated £24,000.

“Operation Magpie, of which this investigation forms a part under its own name, Operation Steele, was launched by Sussex Police to tackle burglaries countywide.”

Anyone with information, either about the owners of items or details which may help detectives with ongoing enquiries, is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, quoting Operation Steele.

Look at the property at http://property.sussex-police.co.uk/view/property.