Police are calling for more shops to sign up to a scheme to cut the rising number of handbag thefts.

Pret A Manger in Brighton's North Street has reported no stolen bags since it started putting Chelsea Clips under the tables.

The clips, which are available from the police, are designed to make it simple to hook a bag on but awkward to take off.

Team leader Mohammed Ferchiche said it was Pret A Manger's policy to tell customers where the clips were and the risk they took if they didn't use them.

He said: "When we opened in May, two customers had their bags stolen in the first two weeks.

"A lot of customers didn't realise the clips were there as they are under the table. So we started telling people about them and, ever since, we've had no trouble.

"I worked in London for five years and there was never a major problem with handbag thefts like there is here.

"If we see a customer putting their bag on the floor, we tell them it is safer to use the hooks, as it is so easy to snatch something like a handbag."

PC Matt Ebeling, beat officer for the Regency area, said the number of handbag snatches was still on the rise in the city centre, despite the launch of the scheme six months ago in supermarkets, cafes, bars and sandwich shops.

But PC Ebeling believes customers don't know the discreet clips are there.

He said: "There is a big problem with handbag thefts, especially in supermarkets. We would urge all customers to use them if they are available."