POLICE are searching for a man wanted in connection with theft from a charity and numerous shoplifting offences.

Simon Pope, aged 35, is wanted for failing to appear at court in connection with numerous shoplifting offences, including the theft of charity boxes in Dorset.

Officers are appealing for information from the public as they bid to trace him.

He is described as five feet eleven inches tall, of medium build, with short, dark-brown hair and a dark-brown beard.

Detective sergeant Richard Barnett of Dorset Police said: “We have been carrying out a number of enquiries to locate Simon Pope, but these have so far proved unsuccessful. I would urge anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to please contact us.

“While there is no information to suggest Pope presents a risk to the general public, we would urge anyone who sees him not to approach him but to instead dial 999 immediately.”

If you see Simon Pope, call 999 immediately. Anyone with other information should call 101, quoting occurrence 55240163815, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.