POLICE have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to trace after a£2,000 watch was stolen from a jeweller in Bournemouth. 

A man walked into Ernest Jones in Old Christchurch Road at 3.08pm on Tuesday, June 7 and asked a member of staff if he could look at a watch he had seen in the window. 

The member of staff got the brown Raymond Weil leather-strapped watch and started showing the man its features.

After approximately 30 seconds, the suspect took the watch in his right hand and placed it on his left wrist.

He then ran out of the store with the watch still on his wrist. 

He was seen running through the arcade by Waterstones before cycling off in the direction of Hinton Road.

The offender is described as white, of slim build, five feet nine inches tall, aged in his early 40s and with short cropped fair hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt, a dark coloured jacket, dark trousers and white trainers. He also carried a black shoulder bag. 

Police Constable Claire Bankes, of Bournemouth police, said: “I urge anyone who knows this man to please contact Dorset Police. 

“I would also like to hear from anyone who saw the incident or a man matching the description given in the area at the relevant time.

“Finally, I would urge anyone who has seen a similar watch offered for sale in unusual circumstances to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 7:254.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.