Police hunt 'ketchup distraction thief'

A hunt has been launched to trace a man after elderly men and women were targeted by a "ketchup thief", say police.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th May 2018, 09:13 BST
Updated 17th May 2018, 10:16 BST
Police would like to speak to this manPolice would like to speak to this man
Police would like to speak to this man

Officers say a man is reported to have squirted ketchup onto the backs of men and women in Accrington town centre.

The man is then believed to have stolen purses and wallets while the victims attempted to remove the ketchup.

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The incidents happened between Wednesday, May 9 to Tuesday May 15, 2018.

Police are now appealing for help in tracing the man in the picture, who they believe may be able to help them with their investigation.

A police spokesman said: "Do you know the man in this photo?

"We would like to speak to him in relation to a number of thefts in Accrington town centre.

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"It's suspected a man has placed ketchup on the backs of elderly males and females and stolen their purses/wallets whilst distracted trying to get the ketchup off."

If you recognise him, please contact PCSO 7672 James Southworth on 01254 353135 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting crime number ED1810148.