Warning to shops in Cornwall after fraudulent purchases

The warning comes after police received reports of several men entering a number of shops in the St Austell area and purchased alcohol and cigarettes using what are believed to be fraudulent cards.

According to Police, one of the reports stated that numerous cards were used to a make a payment as well as one man taking control of a card machine to potentially issue a high-value refund.

Anyone with information regarding the incidents is being urged to contact the force quoting log 154 19 November.

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A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We would like to make shops aware that we have received reports of fraudulent purchases in shops in the St Austell area.

"Three males have entered several shops and purchased high value amounts of alcohol and cigarettes, the cards used for payment are believed to be fraudulent. In one report numerous cards have been used for payment.

"It is reported that one male took control of the card machine to possibly issue a refund for a high amount.

"Please be wary of this and inform staff and to be wary of any possible distraction attempts.

"If you have persons you are suspicious of please phone 999.

"If you have any information please phone 101 quoting log 154 19 November.

"Thank you."