Witness appeal to cash fraud

Police investigating a cash fraud offence at a Weymouth store are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward and have released a CCTV image of the suspect.

The incident happened at around 2pm on Wednesday 19 November 2014 at Goulds Garden Centre on Littlemoor Road.

The female offender, who was with a younger man, went to one of the checkouts to pay for a low-value item with a £10 note.

After this transaction and before leaving the shop, the woman returned to the cashier while she still had the till open and asked to change a large quantity of £10 notes into different denominations.

Police Constable Andy Dickinson, of Weymouth police, said: “The offender then asked the cashier to change even more notes into different denominations in an intentional act to try and confuse the member of staff.

“As a result the woman left with an amount of additional cash which was fraudulently obtained. This was only discovered by the store the following day.

“Following my investigation, I am now in a position to release a CCTV image of this woman and would urge anyone who recognises her to call me in confidence.”

The offender is described as white, aged between 40 and 45 years and approximately five feet two inches tall. She spoke with a Romanian accent and is believed to be Romanian or Eastern European.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 22:137. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.