Pickpockets have robbed 70 people in Brighton and Hove in the past two weeks.

It means the police are receiving an average five reports a day.

Police believe the crime rate may be higher but some victims are too embarrassed to complain.

They are fighting back by using plain clothes officers to patrol theft hotspots to catch offenders.

The initiative paid off on Friday when a woman was caught trying to steal a handbag in the city centre.

She was in the company of another woman just released from prison after serving four years for similar offences.

Victims have had wallets taken from jackets hung on chairs.

Purses have been snatched from bags left open in shops and restaurants.

Police estimate the total loss runs into thousands of pounds.

Inspector Nev Kemp said: "At this time of the year, with people hunting for Christmas presents, many are carrying large sums of cash with them.

"This is a serious spate of crimes, which causes untold misery for the victims.

"Not only do they lose their hard-earned cash but they often lose credit cards and driving licences, which causes them extra heartache."

Mr Kemp said police were doing all they could to target thieves and they had already made some significant arrests.

He said: "We will continue hunting offenders but we must urge people to protect and help themselves.

"Never leave belongings unattended, not even for a second.

"These thieves are quick and will take any opportunity they can to steal from your bag.

"We hope by releasing these crime figures, the attitude of it won't happen to me' can be dispelled.

"Yes, it could happen to you, so never let your personal belongings out of sight."

Mr Kemp said in many cases, bags had been left on the backs of chairs in cafs and bars unzipped, making it easy for thieves to dip in and steal valuables.

He said: "Keep hold of your shopping and don't leave bags unattended while browsing.

"Don't carry large amounts of cash with you - you don't know who is looking when you handle it.

"The streets are extremely busy with shoppers and extremely busy with thieves looking for easy pickings.

"This is a distressing crime. It often means the thief has access to your personal effects and there is the inconvenience of having to cancel credit cards, mobile phones and change locks at home.

"As much as this is an easy crime to commit, it is just as easily preventable.

"Keep all bags, purses and wallets secure at all times.

"It only takes a split second for an opportunistic thief to strike."

Mr Kemp asked members of the public to act as the "eyes and ears" of the police.

He said: "We can't be everywhere so I would urge anyone who sees anyone acting suspiciously to contact us immediately."

Anyone with information should call 0845 6070 999 or, in an emergency, 999.