A thief escaped from a high street store with 35 PlayStation 3 games in what police are describing as mysterious circumstances.

The £1,700 of software was swiped from Currys on Old Shoreham Road, Hove, possibly while the store was open last Friday night.

Games are usually kept locked up behind the counter and staff didn't realise they had gone missing until the next afternoon.

A police spokesman said: "Amid all the press furore around the much anticipated launch of PlayStation 3, the consoles and the games have become much sought after items.

"It is highly likely that whoever stole these games will try to sell them on - perhaps in their local pub or on internet auction sites.

"The theft of these games remains a mystery and detectives are conducting enquiries to establish how the games were stolen.

"Police are also reminding people that it is an offence to handle stolen property. Stick to legitimate retail outlets.

"Being offered a 'bargain' could actually result in you being prosecuted for handling stolen property."

Officers were called to the store at 2pm on Saturday, March 31, after managers found an empty box on the floor and realised the games had been taken, possibly during the previous evening.

The launch of PlayStation 3 was hugely anticipated and police expect the games to be sold on.

Scores of console fans queued for up to 12 hours outside shops across Sussex when the PlayStation 3 was launched last month.

Buyers waited outside computer game stores for midnight openings to get their hands on the consoles, which are sold with games packages for about £500.

Despite the clamour for PS3 goods, this appears to be the first theft specifically related to the new console in Sussex.

Police are also warning other retailers to be on the lookout for anyone trying to get a refund on any of the following games without a receipt: World Snooker Challenge 2007, Sonic The Hedgehog; Ridge Racer 7; Genji; Motor Storm; Blazing Angels; Resistance: Fall of Man; Call of Duty 3; Formula One 2007; Fight Night Round 3; Full Auto 2; Splinter Cell Double Agent; Virtual Tennis; and Virtual Fighter 5.

Paula Lewendon, store manager, said: "The police are investigating and they have got CCTV.

"The people who took these games may think they have done nothing wrong but we are all affected by this."

Anyone with information on the incident should contact PC James Day at Hove police station on 0845 60 70 999.