FRAUDSTERS costing South Lakeland shops big money are being targeted by police.

Cumbria police has teamed up with retailers across the area to tackle the ever-growing problem of the 'ringing the changes' scam.

In the past two months the force has responded to a number of reports where thieves have pocketed more cash than they handed over.

On January 23 between 8pm and 8.15pm, offenders made off with £80 by using trick at Ambleside's Hills Garage, on Lake Road.

Shortly after at 9.30pm, offenders bagged £80 from the Bargain Booze store on New Market Street in Ulverston.

Police believe that these two crimes are linked.

More recently on February 12, tricksters made off with £150 from Tesco Express on Market Place, Ambleside, and £211 was taken from the same store the following day in what are believed to be related crimes.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Constabulary said the crime involves individuals, often working in pairs, seeking to change large denominations of money.

During this process they carry out various distraction techniques designed to confuse staff in order to obtain more cash than originally handed over.

But as part of a battle to prevent this from happening again, PCSOs have visited every shop in Ambleside, Bowness, Coniston, Grasmere, Hawkshead, Ulverston and Windermere to discuss concerns and issues surrounding people who attempt to confuse a cashier by asking for large amounts of change.

Following these visits, PCSO Laura Jackson created the ‘Ringing the Changes Initiative’ which involves shops displaying notices on their tills informing customers that their store does not change money.

She said: "While we appreciate that not everyone who is asking to change money is conducting illegal activity, there are those who are looking to profit through confusing the cashier.

“A number of shops are now using the police notices which are there to confirm that they will not change money.

“As always we expect to see an influx of visitors to the area as the weather turns warmer and daylight lasts longer. This will see more people using stores, increasing the risk of offenders attempting this sort of scam."

Anyone with any issues or concerns is asked to contact their Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101 or the local Crime Prevention Officer.