CCTV appeal: police seek man in connection with theft of champagne from Waitrose in Ringwood

POLICE are looking for this man after champagne worth almost £300 was stolen from a Ringwood supermarket.

The incident happened at Waitrose in The Furlong between 7.40am and 7.55am on Friday 28th June.

The man is described as white, aged approximately 30 years old and around 5ft 10ins tall.

He has short brown hair and was wearing a grey Nike T-shirt, black shorts and a black sports jacket.

A spokesperson for Hampshire police, which released a CCTV image of the wanted person, said: “Do you recognise this man? We would like to speak to him in connection with a shoplifting incident which was reported at Waitrose in Ringwood.

“The incident involved the theft of champagne valued at £276.96.”

The spokesperson added: “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 the incident, 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.”

As reported in the A&T, there has been a spate of recent champagne thefts from Forest stores, after £1,000 worth – as well as spirits – was stolen from Lymington’s Waitrose on 15th May, and a haul valued at £700 was taken from M&S in the town on 23rd May.

A shoplifter also made off with £800 worth of champagne from Morrisons in The Furlong just after 10am on Thursday, 20th June.

Anyone with information on the latest theft should call 101, quoting incident number 44240272908. People are also encouraged to contact the police with information about any of the other alcohol thefts.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or give details online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org