Sussex Police would like to hear from anyone who recognises the male in this CCTV image.

Among the items stolen were silver chalices designed by noted sculptor Hans Coper.

The University of Sussex is offering a reward of up to £10,000 in a bid to recover high-value silverware stolen from the Meeting House. The reward is offered for information that leads to the recovery of the items.

Sussex Police have renewed an appeal for anyone who saw anything suspicious or who may have other information concerning the theft, which happened between 1.50pm and 2.20pm on Friday 7 December.

The thief entered the chapel in the Meeting House and forced locked doors and containers to steal items with a combined value estimated at around £100,000.

Among missing items are silver chalices, two of which were designed by noted sculptor Hans Coper, and several other religious artefacts. 

The thief is believed to have placed the items in a black rucksack before making off on foot towards the Pevensey buildings. It is possible the thief then boarded a bus or got into another vehicle. 

The suspect is described as a man in his 30s, of mixed race, 6' tall and of medium build, bald and with facial stubble. He was wearing a blue Puffa-style jacket over a grey hooded top, grey tracksuit bottoms and Nike air trainers. 

Police have alerted dealers to be aware of the theft and to report any suspicions if they are offered church silverware for sale. 

Detective Constable Rowan Carter said: “We would like to hear from anyone who recognises the male in the CCTV images. This is a high value burglary during which some unique items were stolen. Please get in touch if you have any information about this incident.” 

Anyone with information about the burglary, the suspect or the missing property is asked to contact Sussex Police online (https://www.sussex.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/) or to phone 101, quoting serial 806 of 10/12.  

Alternatively, report details to the independent charity Crimestoppers (www.crimestoppers-uk.org) anonymously on 0800 555 111.