SHOPPERS are being warned to be on their guard following a spate of thefts in stores.

Sussex Police say almost £20,000 has been stolen in 22 incidents across the county over the last eight months.

Customers have been watched while entering their PIN numbers and have then had their purses and wallets stolen as they leave the store.

Suspects then withdraw large amounts of cash from nearby cash machines before the victims become aware of what has happened.

Police have now released a photo of two men they want to speak to in connection with an incident at Sainsbury’s in Worthing on June 20.

The men are described as being of eastern European appearance, one is bald and the other has dark hair.

Investigator Kayleigh Bartup said; “We are also working with the large supermarket brands to raise awareness about these incidents among staff and customers.

“Be alert and aware of strangers when shopping in large supermarkets and never leave your bag or trolley unattended at any point.

“Try not to be distracted by strangers, and also be alert for any suspicious activity around your vehicle which you should keep secured.

“It appears that these men, and others, may strike up to twice a day in different towns, and then lay low for a while, so we need to maintain awareness even when there are no reports.”

The incidents have taken place across a wide range of stores, including Tesco in Lewes when £1,360 was taken.

People using Waitrose stores in Hove, Crowborough, Eastbourne, Hailsham and East Grinstead have also been targeted.

Sainsbury’s stores in East Grinstead, Eastbourne, Haywards Heath and Chichester have also been targeted along with Asda in Brighton.

Smaller locations include the Crown Pub and the Ship Pub in East Grinstead, when £500 was taken and McDonalds in Burgess Hill when £70 was stolen.

Thieves also targeted a customer at a St Catherine’s Hospice charity shop and stole £240 from ATMS in Halifax and Natwest in East Grinstead.

An unsuccessful attempt was made at Tesco in Uckfield and the largest amount stolen was £3,500 from Waitrose in Hove in June.

Anyone who recognises the men pictured or who has any further information is asked to contact Sussex Police.

They can either go to sussex.police.uk/appealresponse or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 47170066290.

Police are advising people that if they see anyone behaving suspiciously in this way to alert store security staff immediately.

Alternatively they can dial 999.