Cinemagoers have been warned to keep an eye on their handbags after thefts at Showcase at Teesside Park.

Sneaky thieves have been targeting women in the back row of theatres by crawling between the seats and the wall and dipping into bags their owners have left on the floor.

In the last two months there have been a number of reports of handbags stolen or emptied while their owners are watching films.

embroidered patches A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "In the last two months we have had numerous complaints, and are warning visitors not to put their bags under their seat."

A spokeswoman for Showcase said: "The local police are fully aware of these incidents and we will be working closely with them."