A company's advertising campaign has been sabotaged within two hours of getting off the ground.

Inkfish Call Centres in Queens Square, Brighton, had spent £350 on posters, boards and advertising boards as part of a drive to generate business.

Two hours after they went on the streets at 9am they had all been stolen.

Nigel Evans, recruitment co-ordinator for the company, said: "I am shocked more than anything that it happened so quickly. I suppose you expect these types of things to happen from time to time but within two hours is a bit ridiculous.

"It is the cheek of it. All we were trying to do was increase our recruitment drive and let people know we are here."

The display items had been placed in three locations - directly outside the company's premises, at the end of Queens Square and in North Street.

Mr Evans said: "They were all stolen. We did our utmost to make sure it did not happen but whoever did it knew what they were doing as they were stolen very quickly and very professionally.

"All the chains had been cut through and the padlocks broken.

"I had spent several days organising them and designing the posters.

"It was something we were very keen to do but it has all been a complete waste of money."

Mr Evans said he did not believe any rivals were behind the thefts.

Instead he thought the items were stolen by a company or organisation wanting to use them to display its own posters.

He said: "They weren't trendy pictures or anything anyone would really want but I suppose the boards themselves are worth a bit if someone wanted to use them for advertising."

Inspector Julie Wakeford said: "The thieves planned this and used bolt cutters to steal the boards.

"We appeal to people to keep their eyes open and anyone who has any information regarding the incident should call the police."