Eight handbags a day are being stolen from Brighton and Hove's pubs and clubs.

Police have warned the city has become a "thieves' paradise" after it was revealed 342 bags had been snatched since July 1.

The high number of thefts during the height of the tourist season has prompted them to issue a specific warning to women just six weeks after a campaign was launched highlighting the problem.

Officers carry stickers saying Virtually Stolen and stick them on handbags and mobile phones they see left unattended.

The stickers warn people to be more careful.

Brighton Police spokeswoman Sue Heard said: "We will continue with this campaign, which has been a success in raising awareness of the problem of unattended items but many of the reports come in the next day after the person has discovered the items missing."

"Despite numerous warnings and raising awareness, people are still leaving their bags unattended. These warnings are not only addressed to women, but men and people of all ages.

"The police are doing all they can to target thieves and have already made some significant arrests over the summer.

"These thieves are quick and will take any opportunity they can to steal from your bag.

"We hope that by releasing these figures, the attitude of it won't happen to me' can be dispelled."

Police believe the thefts are down to opportunists rather than an organised gang and have already arrested three people in the past three weeks.

In many cases, bags have been left on the backs of chairs in cafes and bars or unattended on the beach.

Bags have been put in supermarket trolleys, or left unzipped, making it easy for thieves to "dip" in and steal valuables.

There have also been occasions when items have been stolen from changing rooms at stores while people have been trying on clothes.

Ms Heard said: "This is a distressing crime. It often means the thief has access to your personal effects and there is the inconvenience of having to cancel credit cards, mobile phones and change locks at home."

Colin Milham, chairman of Brighton and Hove Licensed Victuallers Association, representing clubs and pubs in Brighton, said: "Handbags are an easy target.

"I am not aware of any of our members talking about this recent spate but we are continually urging people to take care of their belongings while on licensed premises. Everyone needs to be more vigilant."

Michelle English, manageress of the popular JD Wetherspoon pub in West Street, Brighton, said: "We have had a couple of reports of handbags being stolen recently but it is no different from any other year."