Devon and Cornwall Police have warned businesses of a ‘ringing the changes’ scam operating across the area.
Two men entered convenience stores in Newton Abbot, Saltash and Redruth, and a restaurant in Falmouth, where they confused the shop assistant by asking to change various amounts of money. While the staff were distracted, they managed to steal £410 in total.
Officers believe it is the same two men responsible for all four offences that happened on Monday 13 April and Tuesday 14 April.
The men are described as white but tanned, in their late 30s or 40s, of medium build, with local or cockney accents and they spoke fast.
They were both wearing t-shirts and jeans, one was also wearing a baseball cap.
Detective Sergeant Stuart Hannaford said: “We want to make other businesses aware so they don’t become a victim, and urge staff to remain vigilant and report any offences to police.
“We are appealing for information that will lead to us catch these offenders, and ask anyone who recognises the men’s descriptions to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to email101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk, call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, quoting CR/024994/15 (Newton Abbot), CR/025090/15 (Saltash), CR/025139/15 (Redruth) and CR/025217/15 (Falmouth)
