Police have released an image of a man they want to speak to after phones were stolen from several hairdressers in the town.

Businesses in Sittingbourne and Medway were targeted on Thursday, December 5, by a suspect claiming to book an appointment for his partner.

Three incidents happened at shops around Sittingbourne earlier in the day where a man inquired about appointments and left before staff realised their phones had been stolen while they were distracted.

Later the same afternoon, a similar theft was reported at a hairdressers in Strood.

Inspector Allen Searle said: “We are treating these incidents as linked as in each case staff at the businesses had phones stolen while they were distracted by a potential customer.

“We are now issuing an image of a man who may be able to assist our enquiries and are urging anybody who recognises him to get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01795 419119, quoting reference 46/206483/24.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or use the online form.