A collection of model buses worth hundreds of pounds has been stolen from a house.

The toys were taken from a property in Chanctonbury Road, Burgess Hill, between September 13 and 15.

Thieves broke in while the house was unoccupied and stole the pieces from display cabinets. Most were made by Dinky and are worth between £15 and £20 each.

But one model, a green Commer Harrington coach made by Mettoy with a clockwork mechanism, is worth between £150 and £200.

Several toy cars and a lorry, together worth £100, and a quantity of costume jewellery were also stolen.

Dealers in collectables, toy fairs and similar outlets are being asked to look out for such items being offered for sale.

Detective Constable Oliver Summers, said: "As the photographs show, these are all distinctive items which we believe may be offered for sale to dealers or other collectors.

"They are asked to be wary if offered such models. The Dinky toys include a maroon luxury coach, a cream/blue observation coach, a cream half-cab coach, a dark blue/white BOAC coach, a red Roadmaster coach, a green/cream AEC double-deck bus, a red No 73 Leyland double-decker, a red Morestone double-decker, a red/cream, double-decker and two Leyland Atlanteans, one yellow and one red/cream.

“Also taken was the Mettoy coach and a red Morestone double-decker bus."

Anyone with information is asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phone 101, quoting serial 276 of 16/9.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.