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CCTV footage has been released of a man suspected of trying to steal alcohol before being confronted by shop staff.
The incident happened at Sainsbury's in High Street, Walthamstow, on November 18.
A man walked into the supermarket at just after 5pm wearing a walkie-talkie and an earpiece.
He was caught on CCTV putting three bottles of brandy worth £105 into a bag.
But as he hurriedly walked towards the exit, a member of staff challenged him and he handed back the alcohol, claiming his actions were part of a security check.
Police say he then got on his bike and cycled off.
The CCTV shows him holding a walkie-talkie as he exits the spirits isle.
It has been passed to the Guardian as part of a joint venture with the Met to identify potential perpetrators of unsolved crimes in the borough.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Waltham Forest police quoting 492613/14 on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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