Image released following distraction theft in Crewe

Officers investigating a theft at a shop in Crewe have released an image of a man they would like to speak to.

Between 8pm and 8.30pm on Wednesday 15th October, an unknown man entered the William Hill store on Nantwich Road in Crewe.

Whilst in the store, the man asked a member of staff for some water. Whilst the staff member was distracted, the man then stole a quantity of cash from a nearby till and then promptly left the scene.

It was reported to police that this same man was believed to have targeted another store in Wrexham earlier that day and had taken approximately £200 in a similar incident.

As part of their enquiries into fully establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident, officers have now released an image of a man they believe holds vital information that can aid their investigation.

Inspector Dan Welch said:

“This kind of incident that is often seen in retail settings involves an opportunistic thief deliberately causing a distraction to shop workers or members of the public nearby that results in them making off with items or money that have been left insecure without being seen.

“This is something we will not stand for, so I would like to ask anyone who has any information in relation to this incident to please contact Cheshire Police via our website or on 101. The same goes to anyone who thinks they recognise the individual pictured, as we believe he has useful information that can aid our enquiries.

“I would also like to personally ask the man pictured to please get in touch with our officers too.”

Information can be passed to Cheshire Police via the website or on 101, quoting incident reference number 25000900696.