SHOP staff have been warned to be on the look out for a new con trick known as ‘ringing the changes’.

North Yorkshire Police have issued advice after an attempted fraud at the Co-operative store, on Ainderby Road, in Northallerton on Friday.

Two women filled a trolley before paying the £200 bill in £20 notes. When the cashier had counted the money, the women asked for the cash back so that they could check the amount and used sleight of hand to remove a number of the bank notes and handed the money back.

They then distracted the shop worker so the money was not recounted before being placed into the till before making an excuse and demanding a full refund of the money.

Staff quickly spotted the fraud and the pair, both 18 and from Manchester, were arrested by an off-duty police officer on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

PC Nick Hill, of Northallerton safer neighbourhood team, said: “Thanks to the vigilance and quick actions of the staff the two women were not successful in their attempt to steal from the shop.

“It is clear by the fact that the pair had travelled from Manchester that criminals are prepared to cover significant distances to commit crime.

“I believe that this pair, or other people using the same type of fraud, may have visited other retailers in the area to commit similar offences. Anyone who thinks they may have been a victim should contact the police.”

If you have been a victim of a similar offence or can help to indentify anyone involved contact PC Hill on 0845-60-60-247, quoting reference number 12110153194.