A PROLIFIC Greggs sandwich thief dubbed “Piccalilli” because he only steals sarnies with pickles has been banned from the store.

The man was banned from the store and other shops by police after repeat offences.

A police spokesman said: “During last summer, Greggs in Witham was experiencing issues with a man who would regularly attend the shop, select a sandwich and leave without paying.

“This year he has returned and been up to his old tricks.

“The man has been referred to locally as 'Piccalilli' because he always selects a sandwich with pickle in it.

“This morning, January 27, the Witham Town Centre Team was patrolling the town and with the assistance of staff at Greggs, the man was spotted, spoken to and identified.

“He has now been banned from this and other stores in the area.

“This crime although low value was becoming a real nuisance and has had an impact on the store.

“Hopefully now the man will realise that this behaviour needs to stop, or it could result in arrest.”