A COUPLE suspected of stealing from a cafe tip jar and leaving their dogs in a hot car have been identified by police.

Sussex Police said they have found two people who were caught on CCTV allegedly stealing from the staff tip jar at Carats Cafe, Southwick, on Saturday.

The police said the same two people were also involved in an incident in Madeira Drive, Brighton, where police smashed a car window to rescue two dogs left in a cage in the blistering heat.

A spokesman for the force said the investigation is progressing with the help of Bedfordshire Police.

Superintendent Rachel Swinney said: “The behaviour of the individuals concerned in both of these incidents will not be tolerated.

"I want to send a clear message to those visiting our county that we will actively pursue those who commit crime in Sussex.”