POLICE are hunting a seasoned thief who snatched a pot of salt from a chippy.

The hungry customer ordered a portion of fish and chips from All In One in Coldean, Brighton, but clearly thought he would need some extra flavour, so he tucked the shaker into his jacket while the shop worker’s back was turned.

But after the theft was discovered police have been given CCTV footage of a man they wish to speak to.

All In One boss Nasser Bandar said the man could have had the pot free had he simply asked.

He said: “It’s a weird thing to steal.

“I think he took it because the flavour is irresistible.

“The man was apparently very charming, having a laugh and joke, then he takes the shaker.

“If he really wanted it that badly he could’ve just asked and we would have been happy to give it to him if he was that desperate.”

Nasser’s daughter, Natalie, was working in the Park Road takeaway at the time of the theft, which happened on the afternoon of August 19.

The man in the CCTV footage is seen laughing with her and looking at something outside the shop.

Strangely, this is not the first time the American salt – which is blended with paprika and other spices – has been taken.

It is the third time Nasser has fallen foul of thieves who cannot keep their hands off the condiment since he started serving it a few years ago.

Nasser has now had to take action as he tries to ensure his other, more honest customers get to use it.

The shakers are now tied up on a metal chain as police look for the suspect.

A Sussex Police spokesman said officers want to speak to the man in the CCTV in connection with the incident.

He said: “At about 3.30pm on August 19, a white man wearing a black hooded jacket and aged 30 to 45 bought a portion of cod and chips from the All In One takeaway in Brighton.

“While an assistant’s back was turned he removed a silver-coloured salt or spice shaker from the counter and placed it in his pocket before leaving the shop.

“The shaker, with a distinctive blue band around it, was not missed until some quarter of an hour later.

“Anyone who saw what happened or who may have other information is asked to contact police online (sussex.police.uk/appealresponse) or phone 101, quoting serial 236 of 25/08.”

l To watch the CCTV video, go to theargus.co.uk.