POLICE investigating a village crime wave have quizzed two boys aged 11 and 14.

Horsted Keynes, near Haywards Heath, which has a population of 1,400, has been struck by a spate of crimes including deceptions, burglaries, thefts and vandalism over the last few weeks.

Liberal Democrat councillor Pat Webster, who represents the village on Mid Sussex District Council, said: "People have been talking about nothing else in the last two or three months.

"Most of those in the village know someone who has been affected.

"In the past, we never expected to have any crime at all. There was a time when we never saw a policeman but each time you go out now there's a police car, with police talking to someone.

"People are having to be considerably more cautious and careful. The elderly people in the village get very worried but everyone is concerned."

Coun Webster added: "There's one beat policeman shared with other villages including Scaynes Hill.

"We'd like our own beat officer but we know the police authority would say there's not enough money."

Police have questioned two boys about the offences. Officers refused to go into details, but the Argus understands they are investigating a series of crimes in recent weeks, including:

Youngsters calling at homes in Leighton Road and Lewes Road, posing as charity collectors.

The theft of two sets of golf clubs, later found half-buried in the gardens of a derelict house in Treemans Road.

Several thefts from cars in The Green and the theft of tools, bikes and designer label trainers from gardens throughout the village. Allegedly stolen items were found in the same derelict house.

Spray painting of a bus shelter in the middle of the village.

Sgt Neil Asquith said: "Two juveniles have been questioned.

"In the meantime, police urge residents to report minor thefts and vandalism."

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