A criminal gang thought to be responsible for more than 200 burglaries are now being linked to the theft of a large safe.

The steel-coloured safe, measuring 24 inches wide, 28 inches high and 18 inches deep, was taken from a home in West Chiltington, West Sussex, between 11am and 7pm on Tuesday.

Kent Police are working with forces in London, Surrey and Sussex to investigate the spate of crimes, with more than 100 break-ins linked to the gang in the county.

Properties in Tonbridge and Malling, Maidstone and the Weald have been targeted during the spree which began in September.

Speaking after the latest incident Det Insp Dave Wardley-Wilkins said: "The safe is very heavy and would have needed at least two people to move it.

"Although we have arrested five people and recovered a quantity of jewellery, we have not yet found the safe or any of its contents.

"It may have been discarded by the offenders as they made their escape with the intention of going back for it later. It could be out in the open so might be seen by a dog walker or someone out enjoying the countryside.

"Another possibility is that it was transferred to a different vehicle and has been moved to another area. If you see a bulky item like that in a vehicle please contact us.

"We also need to find anyone who saw people acting suspiciously in Heathfield Park, Midhurst, and Nyetimber Copse, West Chiltington, on Tuesday. We still need the public's help."

On Tuesday a police pursuit in Billingshurst — during which a Ford Focus was carjacked by a group of men in a silver Volkswagen Golf — resulted in five arrests in connection with burglaries.

Officers are still keen to speak to anyone who saw the Golf or the Focus being driven in or around Billingshurst on Tuesday night or anyone who saw men running from the Focus after it was abandoned.

A 24-year-old man from Sidcup in Greater London, a 29-year-old man from South Eckendon in Essex, a 20-year-old man from Billingshurst in West Sussex, a 16-year-old boy and a 28-year-old man from Reigate in Surrey who were arrested on suspicion of burglary have been released on bail until 21 February.

Anyone with information should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 889 of 13/01, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.