A series of attempted scams have left business owners looking over their shoulders.

Several shops in both Headcorn and Tenterden have complained of similar incidents of a customer posing in a distressed state before asking for a refund, despite having no receipt for the items she wants to return.

It is understood the suspect, a woman, is swiping the items from the shop's shelves just moments before trying to make the return.

Although there is a slight variation in style, several small shops in the county have now reported the swindle.

The Shop Around the Clock, in Ashford Road, Tenterden, was targeted last week.

In this case it was reported that two women tried to obtain a refund at the convenience store on several items including magazines.

Owner Suki Athwal, 23, said one of the women told staff her child had died before asking for a refund.

But when colleagues went to check on the validity of the return, the woman made her excuses and said she would come back tomorrow, taking the items with her.

And when staff played back their security tape, they claim the items had been taken straight from the shop floor by the duo.

Mr Athwal said: "A few days ago these two degenerates came into our store and stole from us.

"They went round the store picking up things and putting it in their bags, went to the front of the shop and demanded a refund as she claimed she bought these products a few days prior.

"We quickly went to check the CCTV to double check her story was legitimate, as she realised what we were doing she said she’ll take the stuff with her in a rush and come back tomorrow for a refund.

"At this point in time we didn’t realise she picked the items up from the shelf moments before."

Mr Athwal has since shared information about the incident on his Facebook page, Shop Around the Clock.

The post has been shared nearly 300 times and attracted more than 100 comments.

A business owner in Headcorn believes he was targeted by the same scam.

Tim Grimes, who runs Headcornn Photo Factory in Foremans Walk, said a woman attempted to return two photo frames.

He said: "The woman told my staff that she had suffered a loss and her mother had been stabbed to death so could she have a refund for the items.

"We explained we don't do refunds without a receipt and did offer a credit note. She left the frames and the store.

"Our CCTV showed that she had picked up the frames out of shot."

Staff at the Post Office in Headcorn's High Street and Sue Ryder, also in Foreman's Walk, report similar incidences.

Patsy Trodd, manager of the charity shop said: "A lady came in and presented as a bit manic. She told us her mum had been stabbed during a burglary and died.

"She even said she could show me the police report.

"She told me she was dealing with the death and trying to get rid of some things from the house. She had a pile of birthday cards from our store.

"I explained we don't do refunds without receipts. We danced around for a bit and when she realised she wouldn't get anywhere she left.

"I didn't think any more of it until I heard a similar thing happened in the Photo Factory."

Georgina Smith, assistant manager at the Post Office, said a woman came into the store and asked for a refund on an assortment of candles and cards.

The 'customer' explained that her mum had a heart attack and she was now going through her belongings and wanted to return the items.

Ms Smith said she felt sorry for the woman and a refund of £23 was issued.

Staff at a supermarket in Tenterden, understood to be Tesco, also reported an alleged scam on May 29 to Kent Police.

Maidstone Hospital also reported an incident on May 5.

Although it is not known if it is the same people are carrying out the attempted scams, Kent Police say they are looking into the circumstances 'surrounding the incidents'.

They add that only two reports of fraud have been reported to them.

A spokesman said: "Kent Police was notified of a reported fraud at a supermarket in Smallhythe Road, Tenterden on 29 May.

"Kent Police was also notified of a report of an attempted fraud at a business in Foreman Walk, High Street, Headcorn on 30 May.

"Initial enquiries have commenced into the circumstances surrounding the incidents."

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