Police are on the hunt for a group of violent men believed to be responsible for thefts in the Weald.

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate have linked them to four incidents since November last year.

Wearing dark clothing and balaclavas they targeted a home in Maytham Road, Rolvenden, at around 6pm on Wednesday, November 19.

Once inside they assaulted a man, aged in his 60s, and stole cash and mobile phones.
A similar incident saw a woman, aged in her 50s, assaulted on Monday, December 8,
They entered her home on The Common, in Sissinghurst, at 5.45pm and stole two air rifles before escaping.

Two further offences, both in Sandhurst, occurred last month.

Three men in balaclavas are reported to have stolen cash after entering a property in Rye Road on Thursday, January 22.

It took place between 7pm and 7.20pm and the victims were punched and threatened with violence.

At around 11pm on Sunday, January 25, a social club in Back Lane was targeted.

Two men are reported to have entered the building and assaulted a victim, before threatening him with an object concealed in a bag, but which resembled a firearm.
The men fled with a quantity of cash.

Detective Sergeant Mat Scott said: “I would like to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can to find and arrest those responsible for these crimes, which includes house to house enquires, work to identify forensic evidence and analysis of any possible CCTV opportunities.

“We believe these offences have been carried out on each occasion by the same men, who have been described as having Irish accents and we have increased the presence of police officers in the areas affected. I would urge anyone who has any information to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact 01843 222289.

Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.