Did you see a man acting suspiciously in Misterton and Beckingham?

Police officers who are investigating three burglaries or attempted burglary on the same day are appealing for information to help identify a suspect they believe may be responsible for all three.

The first of the incidents occurred at around 11am on Wednesday, May 25, in Station Street, Misterton.

A man entered a house in the street and when confronted by the occupants told them he needed a petrol can, before being asked to leave the property.

Nothing was reported stolen from the address.

Another householder on Station Street also reported that someone had tried to force entry to their home via a rear door at approximately the same time.

A man was later challenged by the resident of a house in Hawthorne Close, Beckingham, at around 3.40pm when he was seen acting suspiciously at the rear of a house.

As in the first reported incident, the man when challenged asked for a petrol can before leaving the area.

The man is described as white, over 6ft tall and of average build. He spoke with a local accent and is believed to be aged between 25 and 30-years-old, and had stubble on his face and distinctive brown curly/bushy hair.

He is thought to have been wearing a bobble hat when seen in Beckingham and wore dark, scruffy clothing.

Investigating officer, DC Rebecca Withell, of the Serious and Organised Crime Team North, said: “Given the similar descriptions given independently by each witness and the excuse he has used on both occasions when he was challenged, we have good reason to suspect that the same man may have been at each of these homes.

“It has also been reported that the man seen in Beckingham when walking along the street, appeared to be observing a number of properties paying particular attention to those without vehicles parked on the drive.

“We would very much like to speak to this man about each of these incidents to establish what he was doing there at that time.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen this man or may have even spoken with him, or who recognises his description. If you can help, please telephone us on 101, quoting incident 445 of May 25.”

If anyone is concerned about suspicious activity, please call 101.

For advice about security for homes and gardens visit the advice centre on the Nottinghamshire Police website, www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/advice/prevention.