CONMEN sparked a police search when they failed to scam a Sidmouth shop worker with a cash swindle.
Two offenders tried to confuse a cashier at Spa, in Temple Street, with a criminal trick commonly known as “ringing the changes” at around 1.30pm last Wednesday, March 28.
The scam works by fraudsters persuading staff to hand over more money than they are given in return. The men, described by police as being as being of Asian appearance, large build and aged in their 50s, failed to dupe the Spa worker.
Officers conducted an extensive search of the town but did not locate the suspects.
A police community messaging system was used to warn other businesses in the area.
Sergeant Andy Turner said he believed the police presence in Sidmouth discouraged the culprits from going elsewhere and that they left the area.
He added that shops, or private premises, that wish to sign up to community messaging can contact the neighbourhood team or visit the Devon and Cornwall Police website.
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