By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
POLICE have released CCTV images of a man allegedly suspected of stealing more than $1000 worth of stock from local hardware stores.
Investigators believe the man attended the Livestock Way store in Pakenham around 1.30pm on 19 March.
While inside the store, he pretended to make a phone call before taking two Sidchrome impact drills from a shelf, placing them under his jacket and leaving the premises.
The drills are valued at $1200.
The man used a similar strategy to steal numerous items from a hardware store in Kooweerup.
On 21 January, around 8.30am, the man attended the shop on Station Street and again pretended to make a phone call before placing items into his vehicle and driving away.
The same man returned to the Kooweerup store around 1.20pm on 24 March and again stole a number of tools.
The man is described as being Caucasian, aged in his late forties to early fifties, about 175cm tall, solid build with brown hair and a brown and grey beard.
He was wearing work boots, blue shorts, a blue T-shirt and a blue and grey hooded top as well as glasses.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
