DISTRACTION thefts are being targeted on small businesses, say Falmouth police.

There has been an increase of the crime in the area and police have issued details of man that they would like to speak to.

He is described as a white male, approximately 6'2''-6'4'' in height, in his mid-thirties, with ginger, short, tidy gelled hair, a scar on his face and wearing glasses.

He appears to be travelling around Devon and Cornwall targeting small businesses.

Whilst in the store he tells the cashier that his mother or grandmother has left a walking stick and asks the cashier to go and look for it.

Once the cashier is looking for said item, the man targets the till and takes cash from it.

Police are urging businesses, especially those small in size with few staff members, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to them via 101 and quote CR/33348/18.