Man Wanted For Wickes Frauds

By Natalie Verney, 22nd February 2012, 06:00

Police are looking for a man who is thought to have carried out a series of frauds at Wickes stores across the south east.

On more than 35 occasions Wickes stores have been defrauded by a man who takes items off the shelf and goes to the till to gain a refund for a product he has not bought.

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

PC Richard Valder-Davis of Brighton and Hove Response Investigation Team 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 that frauds of this nature have been carried out in places like St Albans, Stevenage, Bracknell, Bedford, Dunstable, Northampton and Kettering between August 2011 and January 2012.

Police have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with these frauds.
The man is described as white, between 5'8'' to 5'10'', 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 the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.