Shopkeepers say they have been “besieged” by thieves.

One charity shop said they lose up to £50 a day and a clothes store owner said gangs of youths were “shameless” in their criminality.

Sussex Police say they are actively fighting shoplifting alongside other forms of theft, but say there has been no rise in reports since this time last year.

Callous thieves stole stock worth £200 in a single day from the PDSA animal charity shop in Oxford Street, Brighton, on Monday.

Milk was spilt on the floor, in what staff believe was a bid to distract them while clothes were stripped from their hangers.

Two other thefts took place the same day.

Manager Jackie Hack said: “You feel demoralised.

“It has always been bad here, but it is definitely getting worse.

“To the donors who give us such fantastic stuff I'm sorry it was stolen but please don't let that put you off helping us again.”

The Brand Me Downs store in Meeting House Lane, Brighton, suffered from brazen thefts by youths after it opened in December.

Owner David Jenner said: “I would say besieged is a pretty good description.

“They are quite shameless.

“It can be quite frightening.”