A gang of thieves are raiding homes across the city and stealing anything they can get their hands on – from paintings worth hundreds to doorknobs.

Brass plaques, antiques, CCTV cameras and even door railings have been stolen by the offenders.

Since the middle of August they have targeted at least eight addresses in the city.

But Detective Chief Inspector Paul Betts said the thefts could be linked to a series of crimes from January when people living in Hove reported doorknobs, brass plates and doorbells being taken.

During the latest spree the thieves targeted communal areas of mansion blocks.

Pubs and homes have also been targeted, including Robin Hood pub in Norfolk Road, Hove, which had its doorknob taken.

Other offences include brass door knobs, finger plates, a mirror and a red Brompton Road Bike being taken between 11.30am on August 14 and 8am on August 15.

Brass door handles were also stolen from a home in Hanover Crescent, Brighton, on September 11.

On the same day a brass plaque was taken from the front door of a home in Marine Parade, Brighton, where thieves also tried unsuccessfully to take the metal railings.

A communal block in Eastern Terrace, Brighton, was targeted overnight on September 18 to September 19 by a thief who took a mirror and a painting.

On the same day brass door handles were taken from a communal block in Arundel Terrace and a brass plaque was taken from Royal Crescent Mansions in Marine Parade, Brighton.

The next day an offender got into a communal block in Courtenay Terrace, Brighton
and stole brass carpet rods, two paintings and a CCTV system.

Between 6pm last Saturday and noon last Sunday a thief took door handles and a mirror from a block of flats in Grand Avenue, Hove.

Det Chief Insp Betts said: “We have increased patrols in specific areas which have been targeted.”

Crime prevention officer Chris Dimmer added: “Thieves appear to be targeting door fur- niture and antiques because they know they can find a buyer for them easily.

"If you have been offered items like this at a price that seems very cheap they may well have been stolen.

“I would urge those who have valuable art and antiques to take photographs of them and make a note of measurements so if items are stolen we can more easily link them back to you if they are recovered.

“You can also make it harder for thieves to steal door handles and plaques by fitting anti- tamper and one-way screws.”