RETAILERS are being warned to be on their guard after a couple of scams in Middlesbrough town centre saw staff duped by men attempting to seek change.

The two men entered a store on Tuesday, July 1 and asked the sales assistant to change £100 in £20 notes, spreading the cash to show the assistant.The other male then distracted the shop assistant leaving the first to put only £40 of the £100 into the open till.

The assistant didn’t have time to stop him putting the cash directly in the till and it wasn’t until the cash was counted at the end of the day the scam was realised.

Cleveland Police have release CCTV images after the pair pulled off the scam twice in the town centre.

One of the men is described as being Eastern European, mid to late 30’s, 5ft 6ins tall, with a broad build. He has short dark brown hair with a distinctive point at the front making his fringe look ‘M’ shaped. He also has a large tattoo in the outside of his left arm.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101.