A suspected bag-snatcher who preys on lone women drivers has been caught by police thanks to a quick-thinking motorist.

The man is believed to have grabbed bags from up to 30 women in Hove in the past two weeks as they loaded shopping into their cars at supermarkets or pulled up at traffic lights.

Police were called by a victim who raised the alarm after recognising the man who had grabbed her handbag a few days before.

The woman, who has not been named, spotted the suspect getting into a red Vauxhall Astra at Waitrose car park in Western Road.

She made a note of the car's registration number as it drove off towards Palmeira Square last night.

Police believe the same car was used by a man in two bag snatches in Hove a short time after it left Waitrose.

Officers traced the owner to a flat in Hove.

A man in his 30s was arrested after property believed to belong to other bag snatch victims was found there.

He is believed to have abandoned the stolen Astra, registration number E800 JFH, and police have appealed for help to find it.

Inspector Mark Powles said: "This is a significant arrest in our investigation of the recent series of handbag thefts.

"We are delighted at the breakthrough and are looking at possible links with similar incidents which have taken place across Brighton and Hove.

"We would like to thank the woman who provided us with the information which enabled us arrest a man in his 30s who is helping us with our inquiries.

"However, we must stress that at this stage we believe that a number of different men have been committing these offences.

"We would still urge women motorists to be vigilant when they are alone in their vehicles.

"They should keep their handbags out of sight in their cars and keep their doors and windows locked."

Anyone with information should phone Inspector Mark Powles at Hove police station on 0845 60 70 999.