Cold-callers have been linked to a string of burglaries, police have said.

Detectives revealed 26 break-ins since August may have been committed by the same group of people.

The spate began in Storrington, near Pulborough, but have spread to Coolham, Henfield, Steyning, Horsham, Pulborough, Bramber, Billingshurst, Kirdford, West Chiltington and Ashurst, as well as Petworth, near Chichester.

The thieves escaped with jewellery, cash and ornaments while homeowners were on holiday or while elderly residents were moving into care homes.

The most recent burglaries took place in Pulborough, with one in Harborough Close on October 24 and two in Plantation Way on October 28.

Katy Wood, of Sussex Police’s burglary team Operation Magpie, said: “We believe the offenders could be cold-calling at homes to try to work out who is in and whether they are likely to have valuables.

“We think they are returning when no one is home – perhaps because the residents have told them they won’t be there – and breaking in.

“We urgently need the public’s help to identify who is responsible so we can arrest them.

“Don’t let cold-callers into your home and please report anyone acting suspiciously in your home or nearby to us immediately.

“Consider fitting an alarm and leaving lights on when you are out. If you see someone behaving oddly at a neighbour's home call us – we would rather come out for a false alarm than miss the chance to arrest a burglar.”

The burglaries have taken place at London Road, Rambledown Lane, Nyetimber Copse, Harborough Close, Nutbourne Lane, Morris Way, Harborough Close, and Plantation Way, in Pulborough.

Heather Way, Hawthorn Way, Melton Drive, and Birch Way homes have been targeted in Storrington.

Belongings were stolen from Brooks Green Road and Thakeham Road, Coolham.

Other burglaries have been recorded in Maudlyn Park, Bramber, Broomfield Road, Henfield, Grove Street, Petworth, Church Road, Horsham, Kings Barn Lane, Steyning, Petworth Road, Kirdford, The Hollow, West Chiltington, School Lane, Ashurst, and in Billingshurst.

Call 999 if a burglary is taking place or call 101 with information on any of the incidents so far.