A MARKET trader has warned off any would-be thieves after an ornamental milk churn was stolen from her stall.

Karen Barlow, who has run the MEET the CAST stall at Ketch Indoor Markets, Worcester, for 15 months, said the theft took place on January 26, and has been reported to police.

“We don’t want people coming here to steal from us,” said Mrs Barlow, 59.

“These are small businesses. We’re not making a fortune, we’re like a little family. We do each other favours and look out for each other.”

She said other traders were “absolutely horrified” and “have gone out of their way to share” on social media a CCTV image of a woman she believes is the thief.

Sergeant Alexander Denny said: “Although the lady in the image is clearly of interest, and she was seen to pick the item up, she went out of view and was not seen to leave with the item. The CCTV provides only part of the story.”

Sgt Denny added: “I have reviewed the crime, and the circumstances are that there were no witnesses to the offence, the property has not been recovered.”

Mrs Barlow, of Droitwich, said the item, made of stainless steel and copper, was worth £80 and she has since bought another one, which “I’m going to padlock to the post”.

She said it’s not the first item to have been stolen from her stall, with a brass replica compass taken some time ago.

The owners of the market, according to Mrs Barlow, have now rearranged CCTV cameras and added extra security measures since the theft.

The Ketch Indoor Market declined to comment when approached by the Worcester News.