A CROOK stole a leaf-blower and a pick axe in a string of burglaries from sheds.

The man targeted outbuildings in the Chelwood Gate area, near East Grinstead, on November 21.

They were both from houses in Beaconsfield Road.

In once incident, a white Peugeot van was seen parked “in suspicious circumstances” across the driveway of a house.

The pick axe which was stolen was believed to have been used at another burglary at another nearby property later that evening.

In the second burglary, a side gate was broken, a shed door was prised open and an unsuccessful attempt was made to force a garage door, causing criminal damage.

Two mountain bikes and a petrol leaf-blower were stolen from an outbuilding at the house.

Now police have released an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the burglaries.

Detective constable Andy Mountford-Laker said: “We’d like to talk to him in connection with the investigation, and also to hear from anyone who may be able to tell us who he is and where he comes from.

“It may be that he lives further afield, so that someone living in Kent or Surrey may recognise him.”

Anyone with any information on the identity of the man is asked to contact Sussex Police online or by phoning 101, quoting serial 545 of 21/11/2019, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.