A con artist stole jewellery from around the neck of a disabled woman after pretending to reward her victim with a gift.

The distraction thief approached a 63-year old woman riding a disability scooter along Seaford Esplanade shortly before 10.30am yesterday morning.

She was approached by a large, dark skinned European woman who asked for directions to the hospital and then offered a necklace and a ring as a thank you gift.

Although the victim declined, the con artist put the necklace on her and then stole the victim's own 24 carat gold necklace and scarf.

The victim only realised the items were missing after the offender had left the scene.

Officers say the woman, who is described as 5' 5" tall and was wearing a dark calf length jacket, a dark long skirt and had hooped earrings at the time of the theft, is thought to have made off with a man in a blue coloured vehicle.

Sergeant Stuart Mullins of the local Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "This appears to be a new type of distraction offence for the area.

"In the past we have had distraction thefts in around supermarkets where purses and wallets are taken, but to target jewellery is new in this area.”

Anyone with any information about this or any similar offences is asked to contact Sussex Police via 101@sussex.pnn.police.ukor by calling 101 quoting serial 465 of 30/10.