A total of £10,500 has been put up to help stop a group of burglars who have broken into almost 100 houses.

The gang's spree includes properties throughout Kent as well as houses in other parts of the South East.

The offences were linked to a single group of offenders but officers are appealing for help to identify those responsible.

Thirty-five homes in the county have been burgled by the group — 12 in Tunbridge Wells, five in Sevenoaks, two in Cranbrook, four in Longfield, five in Tonbridge and one in each of Otford, West Kingsdown, Farmingham, Meopham, Wateringbury, Snodland and Kings Hill.

A further 34 properties in West Sussex, 10 in East Sussex, seven in Brighton and Hove, eight in Surrey and two in London have been targetted.

Kent Police, Sussex Police and Surrey Police and Crimestoppers have stumped up the total for information that leads to the arrest and convictions of those responsible.

Each force has pledged £2,500 while the charity has offered £3,000, with the full amount considered if information draws a result.

The group are known for smash and grab style burglaries and steal gold jewellery in particular.

They are believed to be using at least two vehicles to carry out the burglaries, a silver Audi and a blue Ford Mondeo, both of which are being driven with false number plates.

Detective Inspector Dave Wardley-Wilkins said: "The offences across the region are so similar that we have to presume that they are all linked.

"We believe one group of burglars are involved but at this stage we do not know if it is exactly the same group of people each time. A number of people are involved but the make-up of the group may change depending on who is available.

"In each case the burglars appear to be looking for jewellery when they break in and often leave other valuable items behind.

"There already have been almost a hundred victims and we urgently need the public's help to stop these offenders before they claim any more."

Anyone with information should contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting Operation Smart, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101.