Public asked to help identify 'refund' fraudster, CCTV Issued: Barrow-in-Furness
(LA14 - Wednesday, 18 January, 2012)

Police have today released the image of a man they want to speak to in connection with a series of fraud offences committed in Barrow before Christmas.

The image was captured on CCTV around the time that an offence took place in Tesco in Barrow on the morning of 20 December 2011, when a man went into the shop and moved a Dyson Hoover from display before taking it to the Customer Services till to request a refund, stating that he had bought the item a few weeks before.

The man left the store empty handed after being questioned by staff.

Officers are also investigating similar offences were reported in Barrow that same day.

Between 10.30am and 10.45am, a man entered Homebase and removed high value items from display.

He then took it to Customer Services to request a refund, informing them that he had bought the items a few weeks before.

He was unsuccessful in getting a refund.

Two very similar offences were reported at B&Q in Barrow later that morning.

On two occasions on the same morning, the first between 11am and 11.05am, then again at 11.15-11.20am, the same man attempted to commit the same offence as happened in Homebase and Tesco.

Later, between 11.20am and 11.25am on 20 December, a man entered The Range and removed high value items from display.

He then went to the Customer Services section and was successful in securing a refund.

Police are investigating these offences and are keen to speak to the man pictured in the CCTV in connection with them.

If you recognise him, please call Barrow's Retail Crime Team on 101.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: Cumbria

Address:
The Range
Duke Street
Barrow In Furness
CUMBRIA
LA14