A thief armed with a screwdriver removing unusual and antique doorbells in Brighton.

At least three have vanished this week, leaving victims angry and perplexed.

Jean Banfield, 66, lost her doorbell on Tuesday afternoon.

Her husband John, 64, discovered the theft when he returned to their home in Clifton Hill after a day's work at the family ironmonger's shop.

Mrs Banfield now leaves internal doors open so she can hear anyone knocking.

She said: "It's absolutely ridiculous. I just can't see any point to it, but then I suppose they'll steal anything nowadays."

Police said there was definitely a point to the thefts - money.

Mrs Banfield's doorbell - brass with a ceramic centre carrying the word "push" - was the original and dated back to 1923.

Detective Sergeant Phil Waters, of Brighton police, said: "They can be very valuable. The thief is probably trying to sell the bells at antique shops or car boot sales."

Peter Archer's door bell, thought to be worth at least £100, was original to his house which built about 1840.

It was also ceramic with a brass surround.

He was watching television at his home in Montpelier Terrace on Tuesday night when the doorbell rang.

The 49-year-old former Evening Argus reporter and now Royal Family correspondent for the Press Association found two wires dangling where the bell used to be.

Mr Archer was alerted when the thief cut the wires and made the bell ring.

He said: "I was amazed when I saw the wires and no bell.

"It was a bit of a shock to find something like that stolen."

Mr Waters urged all second-hand shop owners and antique dealers to be on the lookout for the bells.

He said: "If anyone comes trying to sell them, contact us immediately."

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Mr Waters on 0845 6070 999.