Morning Post - Saturday 18 November 1843

Cuckfield. — Horse-Stealing. — A wholesale system of horse-stealing has been pursued on the road between this place and Brighton, by which a gang of fellows succeeded in getting off safe with five valuable animals, and have since escaped detection.

On Thursday night last a grey gelding and black mare, of the cart breed, both rising four years old, were stolen from Mr. Newman's, of Patcham, and a black cart mare, rising six, from Mr. Burtenshaw's, of Clayton; also a brown horse rising six, and a black mare, aged, from a field on Ridden's Farm, in this parish, the property of Mr. William Taylor. The thieves were traced with the five horses as far as Sutton, in Surrey, after which all trace was lost of them. Strong suspicion is attached to a party, and the most active exertions are in progress for their detection.

For more information on horse theft in the 19th century please follow the link... https://eu.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/lifestyle/columns/2020/02/24/lavo-how-horse-thieves-other/1651103007/