Police today warned store bosses to be aware of a violent thief working in the area.
The warning comes after it was revealed the man acted in a "threatening" way when stealing alcoholic drinks from a shop's fridge, in Thundersley.
Police do not want to name the store, in Hart Road, for fear of reprisals and have sent a message to other shopkeepers.
Crime reduction officer Jason Sculthorpe said: "Shopkeepers in the area should keep an eye out for this man and if they see him they should call us straight away.
"We would warn shopkeepers not to try and apprehend this man themselves if he is seen trying to steal from their shop because there is a possibility he could react violently.
"We would advise people just call us so we can get to him as quick as possible."
The culprit is described as white, in his mid 30s, 5ft 11in tall with a black eye - he was wearing a red cap and dark jacket when he stole the booze at 4pm on Saturday.
Published Tuesday, January 28, 2003
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