POLICE have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with a string of thefts from shops, cafés and pubs.

In the incidents, a man has stolen from numerous sales assistants by distracting and confusing them while paying for small items.

At each venue the thief is thought to be making between £10 and £30, with the most recent incident happening on Thursday, at The Mayflower pub, in Kings Salterns Road, Lymington.

The offender is thought to have struck in Ringwood and Dorset before this latest theft.

He is described as white and in his 40s.

PC Stephanie Rudland from Lymington police station, said: “We believe a man is committing multiple thefts at various pubs, shops and cafés in the Hampshire and Dorset border areas.

“We also need to warn staff at other similar venues and retail sites throughout Hampshire and Dorset to be wary of anyone who tries similar scams. If you become aware of such actions, please ring the police immediately.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Rudland on 101.