POLICE are warning shopkeepers to be on the alert over a scam where the thieves attempt to pay for small value items with a large denomination note.
They said that there has been two reported incidents recently, including the BP garage at Shepherds Hill in Woodley and a second, unnamed, garage in the Bracknell area.
A spokesperson said: “Two customers buy a bottle of water or similar small cost item and then pay with a large note. They start asking for change at lighting-fast speed confusing the cashier and come away with a lot more money than the item cost.”
Police believes that a white man in his 20s and another in his 30s have been targeting younger cashiers for the scam.
The force encourage staff in shops to take time when dealing with change and try and avoid getting flustered despite the pressure the scammer is putting on them.
The spokesperson added: “Any staff that are suspicious of a transaction could ask for another member of staff to be present while the transaction is carried out.”
And Thames Valley Police asked shopkeepers to call 999 if they believe the scam is happening to them.