Appeal to identify men involved in distraction burglary at supermarket

Officers are appealing for help in identifying three men involved in a distraction burglary at a supermarket in Stoke-on-Trent.

Three men entered a supermarket on Wellington Road, Hanley at around 2.20pm on Friday (21 January).

Two of the men spoke to a cashier while the other man entered the back of the store and went upstairs where he damaged cabinets and £300 in cash was stolen.

All three men left the store at around 2.40pm.

Officers believe the same three offenders then entered a supermarket on Keelings Road, Stoke-on-Trent at around 3.12pm on Friday (24 January).

One of the men walked to the back of the shop to attempt to enter the warehouse. It is believed he left through the fire door at the rear of the shop.

The offenders then left empty-handed in the direction of Northwood Stadium.

The first suspect is described as white, of stocky build, with dark hair, wearing a blue coat, grey jogging bottoms and a grey baseball cap.

The second man is described as white, of a slim build, wearing a black beanie-style hat, black gloves, a red and black coat and dark grey jogging bottoms.

The third offender is described as white, of a stocky build, with a short dark-coloured beard, wearing a black baseball cap, blue jogging bottoms and black Nike Air Max 97 trainers.

All three offenders wore face masks.

Officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage of the areas at the time and ask anyone with information to get in touch.

Contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook, Twitter or call 101, quoting incident number 676 of 21 January.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.