Camberley and Frimley Supermarkets Targeted By Con Men

Surrey Police is urging supermarket staff to be on their guard following two incidents where staff have fallen prey to an elaborate scam and been taken advantage of after agreeing to change large amounts of money.

 

The first incident took place at Waitrose in High Street, Frimley, around 3-30pm on last Friday 23rd September, when two male customers went to a busy till point, purchased some items and asked the cashier to change some money. The suspects have then deliberately confused the cashier by talking to her and other customers nearby, before leaving the store with an extra £80. One of the suspects is described as white, aged around 40 years, 5ft 7 tall, with dark hair an inch long, and wearing a black polo shirt, jeans and trainers. The second suspect is described as white, aged around 40 years and slightly taller than the first suspect, with lighter hair.

 

Officers are also investigating a similar incident involving two men with similar descriptions at Sainsburys in Cambridge Walk, Camberley, around 4-30pm on the same day. The two offenders have gone to different tills to purchase a chocolate bar and have then asked the cashier to change a £50 note but have confused her into handing over extra money, believed to be around £200.

 

The first suspect is described as white, in his mid 20s with short dark blonde hair, and wearing a grey t-shirt, jeans and a small bag over his shoulder. The second suspect is described as white, in his mid 20s and well-built with short dark hair, and wearing a black t-shirt and jeans.

 

Surrey Heath Neighbourhood Inspector James Norbury said: "Basically these men are causing so much confusion, that they are able to take advantage of staff who are trying to do them a favour.

 

"Our advice would be to politely refuse to change any money and report any suspicious incidents immediately to the police. If you believe you have been targeted by a similar scam, we would also like to hear from you. We are carrying out a number of enquiries but we need the help of petrol station staff and shopkeepers to ensure these men do not continue to rip people off."

 

If you have been targeted, or can provide any more information about those responsible, please contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting crime reference number SH/11/4599 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.