A THIEF walked out of a supermarket with a charity collection box after distracting a cashier.

The man got talking to a member of Sainsbury's staff in the North Street store at 7.45pm last Wednesday.

As he talked and bought items at a self-service till, he surreptitiously cut the chain securing the charity box, with a pair of wire cutters he had in his pocket.

After leaving the store he returned three minutes later, picked up the unattached box containing £30 in cash, and left the premises.

The suspect is described as Asian, in his 30s, about 6', with short dark hair. He was wearing a grey suit. Police have released a CCTV image.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting serial 605 of 22/09.