A prolific burglar who may have committed 150 offences in Wimbledon Village over eight years is being sought after a TV Crimewatch appeal.

A man who wears a trademark black fisherman’s hat and black clothing has broken into detached properties in the village on numerous occasions since 2006 but has never been caught.

The suspect is believed to enter properties via doors and windows left insecure and may also be in possession of a device used to pick locks.

The meticulous removal or destruction of security equipment of the properties is also part of the burglar's tactic prior to committing the act.

Once inside an address he will use his jacket and pockets to 'bag' items such as cash and jewellery, according to a police spokesman.

On at least three occasions, the burglar has been disturbed by occupants who have been within their homes whilst the burglary has taken place.

He has then immediately fled.

Homes in Arthur Road, Bathgate Road and Church Road are known to have been targeted.

In one attempted burglary in Arthur Road on January 12 2012, the suspect arrived in a dark Vauxhall Astra or Corsa which he parked nearby before using a small ladder to climb over a fence.

He then cut the cables to the exterior CCTV cameras and tried the rear doors before leaving the scene.

Despite extensive enquiries and continued media appeals he has not yet been identified or caught.

Detective Inspector Dan O'Sulllivan, of CID based at Wimbledon said: "We are renewing appeals and asking for the public's help in identifying this man so that we can bring this man to justice and his crime spree to a immediate halt.

"Someone must recognise this man and his distinctive clothing. He clearly spends a significant amount of time away from home in the early hours, something which cannot go unnoticed by his family and friends.

"Do you know anyone who fits this profile?

"A number of tactics are being used to trace the suspect and support the residents of Wimbledon Village.

"Plain clothes patrols and operations and has generated intelligence whilst we provide reassurance patrols and officers to advise on home security."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merton Police on 020 8649 3159 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.