by Alan Quick

HAVE you seen this man?

Crediton Police are actively trying to trace this man who was captured on CCTV trying to break into Crediton High Street shoe repair and key cutting shop, Crediton Cobblers, at 3.40am on Thursday, February 22.

On the CCTV the young man is seen to attempt to kick his way through the door and into the shop. He was not successful in gaining entry.

The CCTV is now being passed to Crediton Police who are investigating the incident.

The young man has been spotted acting suspiciously in Crediton High Street by staff going to work during the early hours, usually between 3am and 4am, on more than one morning this week.

It is not known if the incidents are connected but this morning, Friday, February 23, the bottom window of the door at Treloars Delicatessen was smashed and entry gained to the premises.

A small float kept in a till was stolen during the break-in.

Andrew Peacock, proprietor, said: “The offender or offenders smashed through the front door to gain entry and strangely also threw a refuse sack of rubbish inside the shop.

“The person or persons took only a small amount of money after smashing open the cash desk.

“The exit was made through the cafe and kitchen and out through a back door.

“We have had the police scenes of crime unit here today taking fingerprints and investigating the break-in.”

During the early hours of Thursday, February 15, it was discovered that the bottom window of a front door at the Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) “Shelf Life” charity shop had been smashed and entry gained to the premises overnight.

It is believed that a crowbar was used to force entry into the shop safe and a quantity of cash was stolen.

Shop manager Kerry Stevens said that no other items were taken during the break-in but the charity had to pay for the damage caused and repairs and for a new safe.

There has been a spate of break-ins to shops in the town in the last few months, including a number of charity shops, a fish and chip shop, a restaurant, convenience store and an antique shop.

There have also been a number of attempted break-ins at shops and business premises.

A young man captured on one Crediton High Street shop CCTV image shows him wearing an orange-coloured jacket. The man was captured on the CCTV breaking into the premises.

Shops and businesses are warned to be on their guard.

If you can help the police with their inquiries, please telephone the non-emergency number, 101.

To pass on information anonymously, use the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.

If an offender is still at the scene, or in the area, use the 999 number.