Shoppers are facing an unprecedented blitz from gangs of handbag thieves.

More than 30 thefts of bags and purses have been reported in Brighton and Hove since the weekend. Normally there are six thefts a week yet there have been 13 in the last 24 hours.

Police believe one gang may be responsible for most of the crimes and have warned people to be on guard.

One young mother was holding her four-month-old baby when her purse was stolen from the child's pram.

Detective Inspector Ian Pollard said in many cases bags had been left unattended on backs of chairs or in supermarket trolleys.

He said: "In some cases bags had been left unzipped, making it easy for thieves to dip in and steal valuables.

"This is a distressing crime which gives thieves access to personal belongings.

"There is also the added inconvenience of having to cancel credit cards and mobile phone numbers and change locks to your home."

Thefts have occurred in shops, restaurants, pubs and public buildings.

At least two occurred in Brighton's new Jubilee library.

One victim told The Argus: "I deliberately hid my purse in my baby's pram and when I went to scan my books, a woman sitting near the pram, I believe, took it.

"I was at the scanner for only five minutes in which time she had taken the purse and left.

"The thief tried to use one of my cards within about 20 minutes of taking the purse.

"I have a four-month-old and I was holding him at the time so she could have seen that and I think targeted me because of it.

"When I informed the security guard he told me that another purse had also been stolen in the children's library."

Mr Pollard said everyone, everywhere in the city should be on the alert.

He said: "Keep your bags, purses and wallets secure at all times. It only takes a split second for an opportunistic thief to strike."

He appealed to anyone with information to call Brighton CID on 0845 6070 999.

May 18, 2005