POLICE are warning shop owners to be on their guard for a sneaky thief.

At 2.10pm on Thursday, February 1, a man entered the Pet Grooming Parlour in Lovat Road, Preston, and struck up a conversation with the owner.

While the owner was distracted he climbed over the counter and stole her purse containing £50.

The man is described as white, aged 25-30 years old, 5ft 2ins and of heavy build with a skinhead and brown eyes.

He was wearing a beige, zip-up jacket, black tracksuit bottoms and spoke with a Liverpool accent.

At 8.30pm on Friday, February 26, a man was approached from behind by two others in Aqueduct Street, Preston, who struck him causing him to fall to the floor.

One of the men is described as a white teenager, 5ft 4ins tall and of proportionate build with dark hair combed forward. He was wearing a beige or white jumper with blue stripes around the top of the sleeves and dark trousers.The other man was 5ft 6ins and wearing dark clothing.

On Thursday, February 1, a thief walked into The Works, in Friargate, Preston, and stole six classical music CDs.

The thief is described as white, around 24 years old, 5ft 9ins and very thin. He was wearing a green, long-sleeved shirt, cream Nike baseball cap and spoke with a local accent.

The man was chased but was lost in the Fox Street area. Around 9pm on Thursday, February 1, a maisonette in Edale Court, Preston, was broken into and a brown suitcase, 12 ornamental dolls, a plastic bag containing brass ornaments and some medication were stolen.

A man of medium build was seen entering the premises. He was wearing a dark hat, olive green three quarter length army jacket and dark trousers.

At around 3pm on Thursday, February 1, a youth threw a stone through the glass door of a shop in Fletcher Road, Preston, while two others kept watch.

He is described as a white male, aged 15-16 years old and wearing a white baseball cap. One of the youths who kept watch was wearing a white jacket and the other wore a blue jacket.

During the evening of Thursday, February 1, a house in Lytham Road, Preston, was broken into and a quantity of watches were stolen. They included an Omega watch with a stainless steel strap, white face with the reference number 1505722 and watch number 50118480 worth £1,000.

If you have any information about the above crimes call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.