POLICE have issued an image appeal of a man following an alleged distraction burglary in Lyme Regis.

It was reported that at around 3pm on Saturday March 20 a man knocked on the front door of a property in Pound Street and told the occupant, a woman aged in her 70s, that his Jack Russell dog had squeezed into the victim’s garden.

The victim went to check her garden and when she returned and said she could not find the dog, the man left in a black Audi car.

It was reported that she subsequently discovered that a vanity mirror and jewellery box had been stolen from her bedroom. Some items of jewellery were later found on the ground near a gate on her property.

Following enquiries, a 38-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of burglary. He was released under investigation as detectives continued to carry out enquiries.

Detective Constable Jacqui Gravenor, of Weymouth CID, said: “Our investigation into this incident is still ongoing and we have now obtained an image of a man we would like to speak to as part of our enquiries.

“I would urge anyone with information as to his identity to please contact us.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident who has not already spoken to police is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210044583. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.