POLICE are appealing for help in tracing a man over a string of fraud offences at a DIY chain, including several in the News Shopper area.

The offences form three of 37 across the south-east where the man goes into a Wickes store and takes items off the shelf.

He then goes to the till to gain a refund for a product he has not bought.

The offences span from August 2011 to January this year, and one of them happened on August 2 at Wickes in Catford Hill, Catford.

Another happened on October 3 in Croydon Road, West Wickham.

And on 24 November, he struck again at the store in Overy Street, Dartford.

It is thought the offences total £9,000.

Police would like to speak to a man in connection with these offences.

He is described as white, between 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins, aged in his late 40s and looks ‘unclean’ with black teeth, some of which are missing.

PC Richard Valder-Davis of Brighton and Hove response investigation team said: "This man appears to be travelling across the south east and further to carry out these frauds at Wickes stores.

"He enters the shops and takes an item from the shelves, generally kitchen items, then takes them to the till and claims to have previously bought the product but no longer has the receipt.

“He is then given a refund or credit note.

"We are keen to identify this man or anyone who may have information about who is carrying out these frauds."

Anyone with information should call Sussex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.