Police have swooped to smash a gang of robbers believed to have stolen thousands of pounds of property during sneak raids on hotel rooms.

Delegates attending a conference at the Hilton Brighton Metropole hotel in Kings Road, Brighton, last week became the latest targets of the robbers, who struck by triggering fire alarms and then kicking down the doors of rooms.

Brighton police are linking the Metropole incident to at least two other similar raids at the Thistle Hotel, also on Kings Road, and another at the Metropole in the last two weeks.

Yesterday police arrested three men at the Hilton hotel at 3pm.

A spokesman for the force said she was unable to give any more details until the trio had been questioned but confirmed they were being held on suspicion of theft.

The police swoop could bring to an end the catalogue of thefts at major seafront hotels in Brighton.

Thousands of pounds worth of property, including laptop computers, DVD players, suits, briefcases and mobile phones were taken in the latest raid on the Hilton alone.

The thieves then made off in a car belonging to one of the victims.

On Friday, Brighton police confirmed they were hot on the trail of the thieves.

Acting Chief Inspector Nev Kemp said: "We are following up a number of lines of enquiry, including reviewing CCTV footage from the hotel.

"We believe at least four men, possibly youths, are responsible for the thefts and deliberately activated the alarms to cause confusion so they could break into rooms."

Colin Lissenden, one of those affected in the second Hilton theft, had been attending a conference run by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

He was robbed of about £2,000 of property and is now involved in a wrangle with the Hilton hotel chain for compensation.

He said: "I reported it to the police but the Hilton is not paying up.

"The hotel said items are left in rooms at the owner's risk. I thought own risk meant leaving the door open, not someone kicking it in.

"I am writing to see if they will reconsider because I think it is particularly unfair."

A spokesman from Hilton International said: We regret the inconvenience that has been caused.

"Until the police have finished their investigations, we can't make any further comment regarding compensation."

The CIH said it is helping delegates in negotiations with the Metropole.

Ashley Hook, South-East branch chairman said: "We would be happy to take up people's cases with the Metropole if people want to contact me."