Thieves are stealing tonnes of salt from council bins and selling it on to the public.

Gangs are walking off with wheelbarrows full of salt put out by local authority staff to tackle icy pavements and roads.

Council officials believe in some cases whole bags weighing more than one and half tonnes have been taken from the roadside.

Yesterday they warned the thieves were putting people in danger - and urged residents to keep an eye on supplies to help them catch offenders in the act.

Officers at Brighton and Hove City Council suspect salt is being stolen by rogue traders to sell over the internet to nervous residents concerned they might need extra supplies at home.

Stores such as Asda in Brighton Marina saw panic buying of salt following snow showers earlier this month as residents stocked up on supplies to clear their driveways and pavements.