This is the moment that thieves raided a cafe during a spree of burglaries in Brighton.

The criminals, dubbed the “moped duo”, carried out the spate of break-ins at businesses from Woodingdean to Southwick.

As reported by The Argus online yesterday, footage shows the two men, clad in grey hooded tops, shorts, and motorcycle helmets, using a crowbar to prise their way into shops and cafes in their search for cash.

Police are now hunting for the pair, who may be wanted in connection with other thefts in Brighton.

It is believed they were riding a stolen Vespa, which was later found dumped in Hassocks.

One of the businesses affected was the Woodingdean Cafe in Warren Road, where owner Lynsey Beebee said the thieves tried to take cash from the till.

She said: “They were on a bit of a spree, and we’ve called them the ‘moped duo’.

“They used a crowbar to get in, but thankfully they didn’t get away with much as I didn’t leave money in the till.

“They took some stock, and we’ve heard reports that the same two men went to other businesses in Woodingdean and since then similar jobs have been done.”

Ms Beebee, who volunteers at Woodingdean Wanderers Football Club, has been running the cafe for just over a year.

She said that she had to change the locks over after the damage was caused, and was not able to open to her regular customers after the raid.

Meanwhile police say that nearby Uncle Sam’s Hamburger Express in Warren Road was also targeted, along with the Rosalyn’s Hairdressers in Cowley Drive in Woodingdean.

Staff at Rosalyn’s said a window was cracked and will have to be replaced, but the thieves didn’t manage to enter the salon.

It is not clear whether the men managed to break into Uncle Sam’s, the company was contacted for comment.

Ms Beebee added: “Police said they are hoping to catch them, and said they are aware the men have done a number of jobs over the past week.”

Later in the evening, there was a reported break-in at the Cubbitt and West estate agents in Preston Drove in Brighton. Then finally at 3.20am there was a break in at the Hyman Hill estate agents in Southwick Square.

Police are investigating the incident and want anyone with information to come forward.

To report crime online visit www.sussex.police.uk or call 101 and quote incident serial number 0085 of 05/06.

Alternatively, to report crime anonymously call Sussex CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

To watch the CCTV footage online visit www.theargus.co.uk.