Burglars who raided at least 11 homes stashed stolen loot in a pillowcase up a tree.

Brothers Robbie and Tony Cook and friend Kieran Holland raided homes across East Sussex in the run up to Christmas last year.

They stole priceless heirlooms and expensive electrical items, piling them into their Land Rover Freelander which sported distinctive wheels and a wheel cover which had an image of two Staffordshire bull terriers on it.

But the vehicle proved the trio’s downfall – Robbie Cook, 25, was arrested in Queens Road Hastings on November 24, 2010, on suspicion of assault following a road rage incident and officers noticed how similar his car was to the vehicle used in the series of burglaries which had occurred in Guestling, Heathfield, Pett, Three Oaks and Netherfield.

Neighbours living in these areas had noticed the vehicle parked around the time of the burglaries.

Tony Cook, 29, and Holland, 21, In early December, three more occurred in Battle, Rye and Winchelsea.

For the full story see today's Argus.