Police investigating a possible deception targeting shops around Ventnor are appealing for information.
At around 4.50pm on Thursday, March 6, a woman entered the Post Office on Church Street and asked for £700 to be changed into £10 notes.
She changed her mind over the denomination three times and each time she gave back only half the money. Each time, the cashier queried this and the money was returned.
Later, at around 5.10pm, a man and a woman entered a grocery store on Rectory Road in Niton.
The woman asked staff to change £200 of £20 notes into £10 notes.
But the woman changed her mind over the denomination and after handing back the money and leaving, staff noticed she had returned just £100.
The woman was described similarly in both cases as:
* Asian or Mediterranean appearance
* Aged in her mid 30s
* 5ft 4ins tall
* Wearing long black coat, black skirt and red blouse
* Hair in a bun
The man is described as:
* Asian
* Aged in his mid 30s
* 5ft 8ins tall
Police Constable Catherine O’Connor from Shanklin police station said: “From the description of the woman, we believe this to be the same person who’s been targeting shops in the Ventnor area.
“I’d urge anyone with information about this apparent scam, or who recognises the description of either the woman or the man to contact me.
“I’d also ask shopkeepers in the area to be extra vigilant, check all transactions and report anything suspicious to the police immediately.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC O’Connor at Shanklin police station on 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
