Residents and builders are being urged to keep their eyes peeled in a bid to combat a rise in burglaries in an historic Hove square.

Police are now offering homeowners the chance to beef up their security by providing expert advice.

Force analysts have recorded a dramatic jump in the number of break-ins around the Brunswick Square area of Hove.

Seven properties have been burgled in the last week and cash, credit cards and electrical equipment stolen.

Most have been basement flats where the burglars can force windows or doors without being seen from the street.

It is believed the same man may be responsible as similar descriptions have been given to police in three of the cases.

A white male, in his 20s and about 5ft 8ins tall, has been seen in the Brunswick Square area at different times of the day and night.

Crime prevention officers have urged residents to check their home security and to contact them for details of how to improve it.

Free security questionnaires are available at Hove police station which will be used to provide a detailed 12-page report for each property.

PC Chris Knox said: "We are targeting the Brunswick area at the moment because of a rather dramatic increase in burglaries.

"We have been asking residents, builders and other people who use the square to report anything suspicious to us.

"We are also encouraging people living in and around Brunswick to set up Neighbourhood Watch groups."

Questionnaires are available from Hove police station, Holland Road or by phoning the crime prevention officer on 01273 665745.