POLICE have released an image of a suspected thief wanted by officers following a string of break-ins at takeaways across the North East and Yorkshire.

Northumbria Police have today released an image of Martin Joseph Brown after the burglaries in Newcastle, Whitley Bay, Cramlington, Durham and York.

Officers are currently investigating seven offences where takeaways have been targeted across the region in recent weeks.

A force spokesperson said the crimes were all similar in nature and police are keeping an open mind as to whether they could be linked.

They said enquiries into the offences will continue but officers want to speak to Brown, 57, as part of their investigation.

Brown, who is from Houghton, is described as white, around 6ft 1in tall, of average build and with very short, receding hair.

Investigating officer at Northumbria Police, PC Victoria Karaniauskaite, has also called on takeaways to be vigilant and not leave cash in their premises overnight.

She said: “We have been carrying out extensive enquiries into a spate of break-ins at takeaways at a number of locations in our Force area.

“Our enquiries have linked these incidents to burglaries in York and Durham and we suspect the same person is responsible.

“We believe Martin Brown could be responsible for some of these offences and so today we are appealing for the public’s help to track him down.

“He knows he is wanted but is believed to be avoiding police – we would urge you to stop looking over your shoulder and just hand yourself in.

“We also want to remind takeaways to be vigilant following this spate of incidents as some businesses have lost a substantial amount of money.

“Please don’t leave cash in the till overnight and, if you are leaving it in the premises, make sure it is in a secure location.”

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Martin Brown, or has information that could assist police, is asked to contact officers immediately.

Pass on information online at the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101 quoting reference SRN 87306.

To report information anonymously, call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.