A beret-wearing suspected fuel thief is wanted by police in connection with nine incidents at a Sainsbury’s petrol station in London Colney in which around £1,000 worth of fuel was stolen.

The man - who is thought to have used false number plates on a blue Citreon Picasso, a white Ford Transit van and white VW Caddy to carry out the offences - is also alleged to have stolen petrol from a Sainbury’s garage in Stevenage on three occasions.

Assistant investigator Becky Ouston said: “We believe the offences have been carried out by the same person and are occurring mainly between 10am and 3pm. On each occasion the offender fills the vehicle with the maximum amount of fuel before filling petrol cans and in total around £1000 of fuel has been taken.

“I would like to speak with the man pictured as he may have information which could assist my investigation. If you can help to identify him then please call me.”

AI Ouston added that if the man was storing fuel on the back seat of his car, then he was putting himself in a great deal of danger should he have a crash.

Anyone with information should please contact the Herts Police non-emergency number 101. Alternatively contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.