Police warned people to avoid using full post boxes after a man was spotted sneaking his hand into one and stealing envelopes.

He then rifled through them for money.

The man was spotted in Broadwater Street West, Worthing, on Monday between 2.30pm and 2.45pm.

A Sussex Police statement said: “The box was nearly full and he took out a wad of letters and Christmas cards before opening them and looking for money. He then went off and then returned at 3pm and took some more.”

PC Roisin Vafaee said: "Did anyone see this man doing this or do you know who he is? With the last Christmas posting dates coming up please be aware of post boxes being full.

“Don't put your post in there if they are."