POLICE have issued CCTV images of this woman who they believe may have information about a series of thefts across St Helens.

Officers received a number of reports in relation to incidents on Sunday, February 15 which happened at Co-op stores on Fleet Lane, Ashtons Green Drive and Peckershill Road, a McDonalds restaurant, a BP garage on St Helens Linkway and a Martins general store on Ashtons Green Drive.

During each incident it is believed a woman went into the shop and asked to buy a cheap item. The offender then asked to change a note and tried to confuse members of staff into believing that they had been given more money than they actually had so she could try to get as much change as possible.

A woman also is reported to have carried out a theft at the Co-op on Fleet Lane in Parr.

Officers believe the same person also failed to pay for a taxi fare on the same day in Newton-le-Willows.

Detective Inspector Paul Unsworth from St Helens CID said: "We take any crime committed in St Helens extremely seriously and we are continuing to carry out inquiries to bring the person responsible for this series of incidents to justice.

"We believe there may have been a number of similar incidents across St Helens and Knowsley in the last few weeks and I would urge businesses to be on their guard for scams such as this and to contact us if they think they may have been victims.

"I can reassure people we are determined to crack down on all forms of crime affecting retail businesses and as part of the investigation into these incidents we have issued CCTV images of a woman who we believe may have important information which could help us with our inquiries.

"I would appeal to her, or anyone who recognises her, to get in touch with us as soon as possible."

People with information can contact officers in St Helens on 0151 777 6065 or via the 101 number quoting reference 0515031046. Calls can also be made to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.