£750 reward after burglary

An outraged Hailsham businessman has put up 500 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators, who took antiques worth thousands of pounds. Another 250 has been offered by Alan's daughter Lindsay.

The businessman, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: 'We want to offer this reward to anyone who can help rid the town of these people, these scum, once and for all.

'Mr Burtenshaw did so much for this town. He would stop by when he was selling poppies and he'd always stop and chat to people in the street. He was a wonderful man. To think that anyone could have the audacity to go and do something like this is stunning.'

Alan Burtenshaw, known locally as 'Mr Hailsham', lived alone for the last part of his life in Market Square. He died on November 11 last year and was mourned by hundreds of people who knew him for his extensive charity and church work.

At some time between 5.30pm on Tuesday, December 10, and 2.45pm the following day, thieves broke into his empty house and took a large quantity of antiques, including furniture, silverware and a clock-barometer with high sentimental value to his family.

Alan's daughter Lindsay said the treasured item was engraved with her grandfather's name and presented to him by Hailsham Cricket Club. 'Dad particularly wanted us to have it,' she said. 'If we get that back, I will double my offer.

'They also took a beautiful family grandfather clock and some of the donations given to us for charity at dad's funeral, which were mostly in cheque form, so they're useless to anyone else. It's just indicative of the mentality of these people.'

Police say the people behind the crime were probably experienced, professional thieves. An outside security light and burglar alarm system was disabled before the raid took place. The total value of the haul is said to run into thousands of pounds.

Hailsham's Inspector Rex Matthews said: 'This was quite a sophisticated burglary. They knew what they were going in for and they knew about alarm systems. It's likely that they read the obituary, which they couldn't help but see in the local papers, and targeted the house soon after.

'It's a particularly distressing crime, I have to say. The obituaries are used by criminals like this quite often. You wouldn't believe how low some people will go, it's quite amazing, actually.

'Luckily, these incidents are few and far between, particularly in this area, so when it does happen it really sticks out like a sore thumb.'

A detective has been assigned to the case and is currently following 'a number of positive leads'.

The Hailsham businessman added: 'We're not doing this for the glory or the advertising, we just want to bring these people to justice. I hope that other business people in the town will join us by supporting this appeal.'

Readers with any information about the crime should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, officers at Hailsham Police Station can be contacted directly on 0845 60 70 999.