VILLAGE shop owners in Teesdale have been warned to be on the lookout for scam artists who may be operating in the area.

In the past fortnight, two shops have been targeted by groups who use confusion and diversion tactics to try and trick shopkeepers.

On Wednesday, June 6, a group of seven thieves, described as Eastern European or Asian, stole £2,000 from Toft Hill village shop after they tricked the manager.

On Thursday of last week two women, again of Eastern European appearance, tried and failed to steal money from Cronin's News, in Staindrop.

The pair, both wearing headscarves, entered the shop at about 1pm and asked the shop owner, Liz Cronin, to change £800 in £20 notes into £10 notes.

"This is an unusual transaction for someone to do, so immediately I thought something was going on.

"I was suspicious from the start, so was very careful and kept my eyes on everything," said Mrs Cronin.

"They started speaking to each other in a foreign language and then said they wanted it in euros.

"I knew something was up, so I took the money out of her hands, she had tried to fold some of the notes over and conceal them but I made sure I got all of them."

The pair were ordered to leave by Mrs Cronin, who phoned the police but was unable to follow them as she was alone in the shop.

Sergeant Ed Turner, of Barnard Castle police, said: "We encourage everyone in the dale to be vigilant and keep their eyes open. If they suspect anything suspicious, don't hesitate to call us."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Barnard Castle Police on 0845-6060365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.