Man wanted over Kettering shop theft

The incident took place on Sunday, October 14, at Paul’s Stop and Shop in Montagu Street.

A man entered the shop and asked for four Christmas scratchcards, which were placed on the counter.

The man then pointed to the cigarettes and when the cashier was turned around swapped the new scratchcards for used ones.

He went to pay with a debit card which failed and told the cashier he was going to go and get some cash out.

The cashier realised the scratchcards had been swapped and the man never returned.

The incident was caught on CCTV and police want to speak to the man pictured in connection with the incident.

A shop spokesman said: “Shopkeepers should be very much alert to this scam.

“My advice to all shopkeepers would be to keep your belongings behind the counter until they’ve been paid for.”

Witnesses or anyone who recognises the man pictured to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.