A 'FASHION conscious' thief managed to steal an expensive leather jacket from a Chepstow shop - and replaced it with a "35p rag".

Lyn Pring, who runs St Mary's Street Collectibles in the town, was left stunned after spotting a £40 leather jacket had been stolen from her shop and replaced by a ripped old black jacket that the thief had been wearing. She said: "I cannot believe that this person had the cheek to do this and I have not got a clue who did it because it was a very busy day and I didn't have time to check what everyone was wearing.

"The jacket was high- quality pure leather and it has been replaced by a sorry-looking imitation that is probably a 35p rag."

The bogus jacket that the cunning thief left was in poor condition with large rips on both sleeves. Despite the similarities between the two jackets, Mrs Pring soon realised something was amiss after a closer inspection.

She said: "As I approached the jacket which was on a hanger, I thought somebody had come and ripped the sleeves and I was really angry about that. But when I got closer I realised that it was a completely different jacket and I knew I had been stitched up.

"We do not really have any problems with shoplifters in this shop, because the majority of people who come here are honest. Unfortunately, it is people like this thief who lets everybody down.

"The police have been brilliant since I called them and I just hope they catch the person that did this."

Crime and Disorder Reduction Officer Tony O'Connor said: "Obviously the victim has been interviewed and we are now looking for this fashion- conscious thief."

If anybody has any information, please contact Chepstow police on 01633 623993.