A fake postman snatched a bag of mail destined for Colchester homes.
The "scruffy-looking" man went into Johnson Newsagents in London Road wearing a Royal Mail jacket, said "hello" to the staff, picked up a sack and walked out.
When the real postman turned up ten minutes later, they realised the first person was a thief and called police.
Detectives said the thief had been seen in the newsagent's before and struck at about 6.20am on Saturday morning.
Det Sgt Roger Napier, of Colchester CID, said: "The greatest problem is the inconvenience caused to people who may be expecting something in the post."
Anyone with information is asked to call Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
Published Tuesday, January 7, 2003
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