Police seeking prolific conman who hit shops

Battle Police are appealing for the public’s help in identifying the man, who tried to con money out of several shopkeepers last month.

PC Jayne Cleverley, of the Battle Neighbourhood Policing Team, said unfortunately several people had fallen for the conman’s tricks.

PC Cleverley said: “On Thursday August 7 this man went into seven shops in the town, and was successful in stealing from three of them, getting £130 altogether.

“He would remove an item from the display and then make up a story that his mother had bought it for him and he wanted to return it but had no receipt.

“He usually quoted a member of staff’s name who is not there, so on the face of it he appears believable.”

“The suspect is described as being white, aged between 25 and 35, well spoken, between 6’ and 6’4” tall, with ginger or brown close cropped hair and was clean shaven with a small scar beneath his nose and chin.

He was wearing glasses and was carrying a ‘man bag’.

At one point he was wearing a cream coloured jumper and at other times he had removed this and was wearing a black short sleeved shirt.

He was wearing black and white trainers.

PC Cleverley added: “If you know who he is please contact us via [email protected] or call 101, quoting serial 1181 of 7/8.

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”