Wickes fraud

Police have released a CCTV image of a man in connection with a string of frauds carried out at the DIY stores in the south east

A fraudster who has been targeting Wickes stores across the south east is being hunted by police.

On more than 35 occasions the man has targeted the DIY chain including a branch in Dartford.

The man takes items off the shelf and then goes to the till to gain a refund for a product he has not bought.

It is thought that 37 frauds totalling around £9,000 have taken place.

The suspect is being sought by Sussex police.

PC Richard Valder-Davis from the force said: “This man appears to be travelling across the south east and further to carry out these frauds at Wickes stores.

“He enters the shops and takes an item from the shelves, generally kitchen items, then takes them to the till and claims to have previously bought the product but no longer has the receipt. He is then given a refund or credit note.

“We are keen to identify this man or anyone who may have information about who is carrying out these frauds.”

It is believed the frauds were carried out between August 2011 and January 2012.

Police have also released CCTV images of the man.

He is described as white, between 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in tall aged in his late 40s. He is described as looking unclean with black teeth, some of which are missing. He has worn a green farmer’s style cap with grey hair showing at the side with black or grey facial stuble. He has also worn a grey scarf, green duffle-style coat and blue jeans.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 713 of 13/1 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.