Former Shrewsbury pub landlord may be in Lancashire

John Cattermole was featured on the BBC’s Crimewatch programme after he went on the run almost three years ago while on bail suspected of theft and perverting the course of justice.

Following several calls to the programme, officers have new information suggesting he may be in the Burnley or Preston areas.

“We had a good response to the appeal on Crimewatch and part of our search for Mr Cattermole is now focussed on Lancashire,” said Police Constable Jason Tierney, who travelled down to the BBC studios in Cardiff for the broadcast.

“He may still be working in the licensing trade but could be doing anything and anybody who recognises him should contact police on 101.

“Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you are worried about being identified.”

One 25th April 2010, Cattermole called police and claimed that The Monkmoor Hotel, where he was landlord at the time, had been burgled and £2,800 in cash stolen and £1,500 worth of spirits.

However, the 57-year-old arrested just a few hours later after raising suspicions that the burglary had been staged and later released on bail.

However, he failed to answer bail at Shrewsbury Police Station the following month and went into hiding.

Extensive enquiries to date have failed to trace him, including previous media appeals with his photograph.

Cattermole is 54, about 5ft 7in in height and was of heavy build when he went missing, with short brown hair.