POLICE have been called to thousands of burglaries in the last year.

The Sussex force said it responded to 7,700 calls between October 2018 and September 2019.

But it said this meant Sussex “enjoys one of the lowest burglary rates” out of 43 UK police forces.

Last month a string of stores in Brighton and Hove had their shopfronts shattered.

Thieves, who police said they believe to be part of a professional gang, broke into the premises in the early hours and made off with piles of cash.

Businesses targeted included Cosy Cottage Café in London Road, Brighton, which was broken into at 2.30am on September 9.

The burglar – wearing a hooded anorak and a backpack – was caught on CCTV as he escaped with the till and a bottle of alcohol.

Police said he also stole several hundred pounds in cash and an iPad.

Detective Chief Inspector Alasdair Henry, the Sussex Police burglary lead, said: “Burglary is a horrible crime which can cause victims long-lasting suffering.

“Whether it be the invasion of your home, damage to your business premises or the theft of essential work tools, it is totally abhorrent to us and that is why our priority is to reduce this crime and catch those who are responsible.

Sussex Police is today launching Operation Magpie, its bi-annual burglary prevention and awareness campaign.

The force will be giving advice on how to secure properties, particularly to residents in rural areas.

Katy Bourne, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Burglary can have a profound impact on a victim, especially those who live in more isolated, rural communities.

“This is why I am pleased that, with 100 extra PCSOs [police community support officers] and the recent launch of a specialist rural crime team, Sussex Police is able to also target rural hot spot areas during this campaign.

“I hope this will deter burglars from preying on those in more remote locations and help residents feel safer.

“The force is proactively tackling this issue and I will continue to ensure that they maintain their effective levels of prevention and deterrent activities.

“However, we all have a part to play to help keep Sussex safe and I urge residents to follow police advice and keep their property secure so that they are not a target.”