A SAFFRON Walden art teacher painted a picture of a man suspected of stealing from her and handed it in to police.

Serena O’Connor, who teachers at Friends’ School, in Mount Pleasant Road, was asked for directions while loading shopping into her car at Tesco car park, in Bar Hill, Cambridgeshire on July 15.

But she later noticed her debit card had been taken from her purse after a friend told her about a similar thing happening to someone in a Morrisons car park, who later realised they had been the victim of a distraction theft.

The 51-year-old reported the suspected theft to police and decided to use her talents to draw the man who distracted her.

She said: “I just thought I would do it to help the police. If he sees it I don’t think he will be very flattered.”

Police have now released the painting to try and find him.

PC Alex Swinborne, investigating, said: “The victim is a portrait artist and has produced a very good image which will hopefully help us track him down.

“I would urge anyone who recognises him to call police.”

Anyone with any information should call PC Swinborne on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.