CCTV: Man wanted by police after £240 of scratchcards stolen from three Ringwood stores – Central Stores on Southampton Road, Tesco Express on Butlers Lane and Lunns of Ringwood on Christchurch Road

POLICE are hunting a thief who stole £240 of scratchcards from three Ringwood stores over five hours on Saturday.

The thefts took place between 12.25pm and 5.25pm, and officers have released CCTV pictures of a man they want to speak to in connection with incidents.

Central Stores on Southampton Road was one of those targeted, with £100 of scratchcards and £4 of lottery tickets taken (crime reference: 44240444343).

Another £100 of scratchcards was reported stolen from Tesco Express on Butlers Lane (44240445396), and £40 in scratchcards from Lunns of Ringwood on Christchurch Road (44240444085).

As well as these, there was an attempted theft of scratchcards at Waitrose on The Furlong (44240444139).

The man police want to find is white, about 5ft 9in tall, and aged around 30. He was wearing a black beanie hat, grey tracksuit bottoms and jacket.

A Hampshire force spokesperson said: “We believe the man in this image can help us with our investigation and would urge him, or anyone who knows his identity, to get in touch with us.

“Also, if you witnessed any of these incidents, saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, or have any CCTV, mobile phone, dash cam or doorbell camera footage which could aid our investigation, please contact us.”

Get in touch online at hampshire.police.uk or call 101, quoting the relevant reference.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.