A major operation has been launched to catch bag snatchers who have targeted a city's shoppers.

Police are determined to snare robbers who have claimed up to 30 victims in Brighton and Hove in the past few weeks.

Operation Grab has been set up following another nine bag snatches at the weekend.

The Argus reported yesterday how one thief tried to mow down shoppers who sprang to the rescue after he snatched a bag from Sainsburys in Hove.

Extra resources have been dedicated to the hunt for the bag snatchers who prey mainly on women shoppers, although at least one man has also been targeted.

Covert surveillance teams will concentrate on their favourite haunts which include supermarket car parks and busy road junctions.

Inspector Beryl Bacon said: "This has become a significant problem over the past few weeks and we are determined to bring an end to it.

"We believe that more than one person is behind these robberies because the descriptions we are getting are so varied."

In many cases the victims have been targeted as they shop at superstores across Brighton and Hove.

Their bags are grabbed as they return to their vehicles in the stores' car parks.

The suspects escape in a stolen car, which is usually found abandoned in Hove.

They are often Vauxhall Astras or other older vehicles which are relatively easy to break into.

Police believed they had made a breakthrough last week when a man was arrested in connection with three bag snatches.

However, the handbag snatches have continued since then.

Insp Bacon said: "Shoppers should be aware of the problem and be extra cautious about leaving their bags on display in their vehicles. They should also keep their doors and windows locked while they are driving."

Anyone with information should phone Insp Bacon at Hove police station on 0845 6070999.