Police launch CCTV appeal for 'plump and balding' till snatch suspect

A THIEF caught on CCTV as he snatched a cash from a till at the Lymington Centre café has left volunteers feeling “violated”.

The man targeted the popular community facility in New Street on Tuesday 6 August, but police have only released details this week, along with CCTV images of the suspect they want to track down.

Centre manager Rachel Smith told the A&T: "It's really frightened our volunteers who run the café.

“The lady who was on duty at the time was mortified. It literally took him 14 seconds. He was watching her.

“It was a split second – the lady went to bring an item of lost property down and of course he nipped in and put his hand over the counter and into the till.

“He's obviously well-rehearsed because he hit the ‘no sale’ button. It's obviously not his first time.”

The offender entered the café while it was open between 3.30pm and 4pm, leaned over the counter and took £120 from the till before escaping.

He has been described as white, aged between 45 and 60, with a plump build and balding head.

People are being urged to come forward if they think they might recognise the suspect shown in the CCTV images.

Ms Smith continued: "We rely on our volunteers and they feel violated.

"If people know this person please come forward and tell the police so he stops his antics.

"This money was taken from our café where the volunteers work so hard all day to serve up teas to people."

Anyone with information should contact Hampshire officers on 101, quoting crime reference number 44190278312, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.