POLICE are appealing for help in tracking down two thieves after they struck in separate incidents in the Blackburn area.

The first theft occurred when a young man with a distinctive short haircut and wearing a Nike sweatshirt went into the Cellar 5 shop in New Chapel Street, Blackburn, at 7.30pm on Friday, April 19.

He selected two £1.49 bottles of cider, paid for one and hid the other in his clothing before sneaking out of the shop. The second thief attempted to pay for £20 worth of petrol with a stolen credit card after filling up his car at a Samlesbury service station on May 15.

The man drove a white Nissan Cherry with a registration similar to WS0 868Y on to the Five Barred Gate garage in Preston New Road at 9.30pm.

He tried to pay for petrol using a card which had been stolen in Blackburn on May 1 and drove off without paying when he was challenged.

He is Asian, with short, dark hair and a beard and was wearing a black shirt and a black lumber jacket.

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to contact Blackburn Police or telephone the free Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.

Calls can be made anonymously or in confidence and callers can be given a given cash reward.

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