CCTV images have been released by police following a spate of shoplifting in Accrington town centre.

Three incidents took place on Thursday, February 25, when hundreds of pounds worth of food and electrical items were stolen from three town centre stores.

At B and M Bargains in Accrington, officers said 15 tins of salmon and two four-packs of tuna were taken from the Hyndburn Road store.

Officers have released CCTV pictures of two men they believe may hold clues about who was responsible.

Four other CCTV images have been released by officers identifying four men police believe may have information about the theft of four portable hard drives worth about £250 from ASDA in Hyndburn Road.

Police are looking to speak to a woman who may have information about the theft of clothes from Tesco in Eagle Street.

Approximately £140 worth of clothing was taken, officers said.

Officers are now urging anyone who recognises those pictured or the people themselves to contact police directly.

Accrington councillor Tony Dobson said the town cannot afford to have stock stolen and hoped that those responsible were caught quickly.

He said: “I am a member of the Chamber of Trade and we have reports on shoplifting delivered to us every month, and it has always and probably will always happen.

“But people in Accrington cannot afford to lose stock – trade around here is difficult enough as it is.

“You could make the case that these people stealing are desperate and are in need of whatever it is they are taking, but the truth is there isn’t any justification for it.

“It’s something we need to be clamping down on because we do not need it.

“We need to keep information flowing between the shops and the police so that these people are identified, so we can ensure they do not return to Hyndburn.”

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “If anyone has any information about these thefts or recognises the people pictured in the CCTV images, we would urge them to contact us on 101, quoting the log number, or contact PC Graham Hartley or PCSO James Southworth on 01254 353103.”