A SHOP worker has released CCTV images of a suspected shoplifter who allegedly took a number of items then climbed into a car waiting outside.

Munir Patel, who works at family-owned Kismat Foods, has claimed that a woman entered the store in Elgin Street on April 22, picked up a blue basket and began to gather items from the shelves.

But after she had done so, instead of going to the till to pay, she was recorded on CCTV leaving the store and getting into a silver convertible.

Mr Patel said: "About two weeks ago a lady came in and picked up a basked and then went around the shop.

"I realised she had a lot of items, including a big packet of baby nappies, and she had a couple of other things.

"There was a grey car outside waiting for her. It was a soft top and basically he just walked through the door and then got into the car."

Mr Patel, aged 38, has reported it to police and said he was last told that investigations were being carried out.

He added: "A few weeks afterwards there was the same car outside and it looked like they were basically trying to show off like they were proud of what they had done.

"I was just really shocked about it."

Mr Patel said he decided to release the images captured on his CCTV because he wanted to spread the word about the incident to warn other residents and business owners.

"If we do not try and expose them then they will carry on doing it. I do not think the car is insured or anything.

"People need to know that this is happening."

A spokesman from Greater Manchester Police said they were called to the incident at 2.30pm that day.

They said: "An offender had gone into the shop, taken items from the shelf and then fled from the scene in a car.

"Enquiries into the full circumstances around this incident are ongoing."

Anyone who has any information on the incident should call police on 101 quoting incident number 1405 of Sunday, April 22 2018.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 11 or at crimestoppers-uk.org