Shopkeepers and businesses in Rottingdean are demanding a greater police presence following a spate of thefts.

Four handbags have been stolen from shops in the village during the last six months.

Two women have been attacked and there have been several instances of cars causing obstructions and parking on crossings.

The rise in crime and parking infringements has coincided with the village policeman, Mark Cranley, being on extended sick leave.

In the latest incident, a thief stole a wallet from a shop and within an hour had spent £400 on the credit card.

Rottingdean shares two police officers with Woodingdean and Saltdean.

The Rottingdean Trade, Business and Professional Association has written to Superintendent Andy Bliss, commander of Brighton police, asking for a greater presence in the village.

Chairman of the association Harold Williams said: "There are now two police officers for Rottingdean but we never see them.

"Ever since PC Mark Cranley went on sick leave at the beginning of last year, we seem to have lost a visible police presence.

"The result is a spate of thefts from shops, two assaults on women, one of them serious, and cars illegally parked.

"We do not expect a 24-hour commitment but policemen seen to be in the village will undoubtedly act as a deterrent."