A CROOK with a penchant for snacks is being hunted by police.

Detectives trying to trace the man, who struck at three separate Aldi stores, have released CCTV images in a bid to reveal his identity.

In each incident a man selected a Pot Noodle from the shelves, went to pay at a checkout then grabbed cash when the till was opened.

The thefts happened at Aldi’s Pitsea branch in Rectory Park Drive, shortly after 6pm on November 14, at the Wickford branch in The Broadway at 6.38pm on November 17 and at the Chelmsford branch in Springfield Road, at 2.56pm on November 18.

Members of staff at the Wickford branch chased the man along a nearby road but he got into a waiting car and escaped.

In all three incidents a three-figure sum of cash was stolen.

Pc Alan Nock, who is investigating the Chelmsford theft, said: "In each case the man has selected a Pot Noodle, taken it to the checkout and grabbed a handful of notes when the till was opened.

"We are certain the same man is involved because of the identical method and also because the descriptions and CCTV images are identical.

"We want to hear from anyone who can identify this man or knows where he lives. Also let us know if you have any information about the black car he left in from the scene of at least one of the thefts.”

The man is about 5ft 9in tall and aged in his mid-20s to mid-30s. During each incident he had his hair tied back in what was described as a greasy bun.

Anyone with information should contact Pc Nock at Chelmsford on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.