A PARROT has been stolen in a spate of burglaries.

The African grey parrot was stolen along with gold jewellery and cash in a break-in at a home in Applefield, Crawley.

African greys are popular companion parrots known for their talkative natures and can fetch prices of more than £1,000.

Police announced yesterday that they are investigating the possibility of this parrot-snatching being connected to two other Crawley break-ins.

They have released an efit of a man who is believed to be linked to the burglaries and have revealed the details of a car sighted at each address at the time of the crime.

The burglary on May 23, in which the parrot was taken, is being linked to a break-in at a home in St Hildas Close, Crawley, on May 28 and another in The Birches, Crawley, on May 6, in which jewellery was taken.

The St Hildas Close property was burgled sometime before 7pm while the owners were out. The intruder gained entry by smashing the front window.

No birds or pets where taken in either of the other incidents.

On each occasion a black Audi A3 was seen near the victim’s home and officers are trying to trace that vehicle.

Detective Constable Jon Woolley said: “It may be a coincidence that a black Audi has been nearby on each occasion but it may not be.

“We would like to speak to anyone who may have seen a black Audi in the area, or anywhere in Crawley, with people acting suspiciously.

“If you have seen the car please contact us with any information you might have, no matter how insignificant you might consider it to be.”

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting serial 1284 of 28/5, email 101@sussex. pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.