AN engaged couple whose wedding rings were stolen days before they were due to get married were reunited with them after a jeweller spotted the items and called police.

The victims called police on May 22 after discovering a burglar had entered their home in Holmesdale Road, Burgess Hill.

As well as taking two iPads, the burglar escaped with the rings the couple were to use at their wedding a fortnight later.

But the couple were reunited with their rings (pictured) just a day later after a jeweller called police and said he had been sold the items that day.

A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and questioned before being released on bail until June 27.

This week sees the third phase of Sussex Police's Operation Magpie summer burglary campaign, continuing under the Too Good To Be True slogan launched at the beginning of the year.

Handling stolen goods is an offence under Section 22 of the Theft Act and those convicted of it can be jailed for up to 14 years.

By focusing on the seriousness of buying and handling stolen goods, the aim is that second hand traders and public alike understand the implications of buying second hand goods at very cheap prices while also making it less appealing for thieves to break in and steal property, jewellery and gold as it will be much harder to sell it on.

A total of 192 shops and outlets across Sussex have been visited by officers and presented with the Sussex Police Too Good To Be True campaign and Tradesafe principles.

Detective Inspector Dave Wardley-Wilkins said: "Burglars very quickly sell on any property they steal. In order to disrupt this process, many second hand traders have signed up to using a check list when buying goods.

"If you aren't sure where the item you're buying has come from, please don't buy it. Think about where you are buying goods from. For example if someone is selling gold jewellery not through a reputable outlet or business, tell us where and when you saw these goods for sale."

If you have any information about burglaries or shops selling stolen goods, call 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk. For crime prevention advice visit www.sussex.police.uk.

If you see or hear a burglary taking place call 999 immediately.