Police are investigating the possibility that a gang may be stealing bits of metal and wood for a secret

building project.

Over the last week, 14 aluminium doors have been taken from street light boxes in Brighton, while a number of heavy wooden farm gates and railway sleepers were stolen last month.

PC Mike Dowling of Sussex Police said these were some of the most mysterious crimes he had come across.

He said: "I have absolutely no idea where this stuff could have gone or what it could have been used for.

"There was this big splurge of thefts of gates and then it just stopped.

"I cannot even surmise what anybody would be able to build out of sleepers, garden gates and metal doors."

More than 25 gates were taken from three farms near Steyning during three weeks in March.

Farmer Trevor Passmore lost thousands of pounds when a number of his gates went missing during the lambing season.

The thefts stopped shortly before the metal doors began to go missing.

The combined value of all the wood stolen comes to more than £10,000.

The cost of replacing all the aluminium doors to Brighton and Hove City Council is about £1,400.

Police and the council's street lighting team believe the thefts are being carried out by professionals because there have been no witnesses to the latest spate, even though the aluminium doors are large and difficult to remove.

Steve Branson, street lighting project officer, said: "We think this is a professional job as only the aluminium is being taken.

"Some of the doors are made of cast iron but they have been left alone. We only have a few aluminium doors left now and are keen to hear from anyone who saw anything or who knows what happened to them."

Anyone with information should contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999, Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, the council on 01273 292514 or email streetlighting@brighton-hove.gov.uk