POLICE have released a CCTV witness appeal following a spate of alcohol thefts in Dorset.

Officers in Dorset are appealing to the public to help identify a number of suspects following various shoplifting offences.

The first theft took place at 12.15pm on Wednesday March 18, when three men stole large quantities of spirits from the Waitrose store in Gillingham.

Another theft took place at the same store on Saturday March 7 just after midday.

In this incident, a man was confronted by staff after picking up a bottle of whiskey which he made no attempt to pay for. He ran out of the store with the stolen item.

Another incident took place at around 1.15pm on Wednesday, March 4 when a man took a very large quantity of toiletry products at the Co-operative store in Langton Road, Blandford Forum, and left the shop without paying.

And at 2pm on Saturday March 7 at the Co-operative store in Lodbourne Green, Gillingham, four men entered the store and attempted to steal a basket full of alcoholic beverages.

They were stopped by staff but managed to leave the store without paying for a large amount of washing powder.

A theft also occurred at Boots on High Street, Shaftesbury, at around 2pm on Friday March 13.

Two women entered the chemist and stole a selection of cosmetics which they made no attempt to pay for.

A further shoplifting offence occurred at around 6.40pm on Monday, March 9 at the Blandford service station on Blandford Road, Shillingstone.

A man entered the store and selected a number of food items, which he concealed in his coat, and left without trying to pay.

Police Sergeant Sarah Jones, of Blandford police, said: “I am seeking assistance from the public in identifying the suspects in relation to these thefts.

“I am now in a position to release these CCTV images and am appealing to the public to take a look at them to see if they recognise anyone.

“Anyone who may recognise the people pictured in these images should contact me, in confidence, on 101.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 30:153.

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.