Bag snatchers and thieves who target drinkers have prompted pubs to fit special security devices.

Pubs have fitted have locks under tables and on walls and counters to stop thieves walking off with handbags and bags full of Christmas shopping.

The move is a bid by Brighton and Hove's landlords to cut down on thieves who often take advantage of their customers while they relax over a drink.

The locks, known as Chelsea Clips, are similar to wall hooks. Customers insert the straps of bags into the clip and the design of the device makes it difficult for thieves to release them without using both hands to press down on the fitting.

The Bath Arms in Meeting House Lane, Brighton, is among many to have fitted the devices.

Assistant manager Jemma Woolley said the clips were introduced on the recommendation of the police.

"Thieves do operate in this area, particularly at this time of year. We feel so bad for people who have their bags or their Christmas shopping stolen.

"Last time it happened, a couple of the guys on the staff chased the thieves through the Lanes and eventually they dropped what they had stolen, but normally we don't even know they have struck until it is too late.

"These clips make it more difficult for thieves."

A sign on the pub door alerts customers to the devices but not everyone uses them.

Sharon Ayre, from Brighton, said: "I hadn't noticed them and I wouldn't actually have known what they were for. Maybe a sign above them would help."

Eleanor Grieve, from Davigdor Road, Hove, said: "You always have to be on your guard."

Jemma said: "We and other pubs in the Lanes meet with the police every month to discuss ways of improving security.

"We are shown pictures of local criminals and bag snatchers and we use a pager system to alert each other if we know there is someone operating in the area."

However, Andy Jacobs, another customer said: "The clips are a good idea but they can't stop all thefts. Last week I moved away from the table for a second and someone drank my pint."