Police hunting for a commuting criminal - believed to be in Kent - are offering a £2,500 reward for any information leading to his arrest.

Officers believe Simon Knights, 39, uses trains to move from town to town dressed smartly in a jacket, shirt and trousers to commit burglaries before getting the next train home.

Detectives from six police forces - Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Kent, Essex and the Metropolitan Police - are looking for Knights and a £2,500 reward has been put up for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of him for at least one of the offences.

News Shopper:

Simon Knights

It is thought that Knights is stealing cash and jewellery from homes to fund his gambling addiction, selling off any jewellery and spending the cash in betting shops, casinos and on fruit machines.

Thousands of pounds worth of jewellery have been stolen during the more than a dozen break-ins that Knights is suspected of carrying out across the south east since June last year.

TOP STORIES:

Detective Constable Philippa Hannard said: "Knights is now wanted by six police forces so we know he could be anywhere in the south east.

"People may see him using the rail network or betting shops, possibly smartly dressed.

"If you have any information about where he is or where he has been, please get in touch."

The Charlton Athletic fan is white, about 5' 8" and has ginger hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 840 of 16/06, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.