ONLY days after charity boxes were stolen by people visiting business premises on the pretext of wanting to change money into different denominations, a similar scam has been carried out at three business premises in two Kent towns.

The first incident happened at a shop at St John’s Hill, Sevenoaks, around 7pm on Saturday, November 17.

Two men asked to change around £200. They distracted staff while doing so and only after they had gone did the staff realise they had lost some money during the transaction.

The other incidents took place in Tonbridge High Street. At around 7.45pm on the samne day two men went into a pub in the High Street asking for change and shortly afterwards, at 7.50pm, did the same thing at a nearby off-licence. Both premises lost money as a result.

The two men are described as Asian and one was older than the other. The older man is thought to be aged between 40 and 50.

It is thought they were driving a red saloon car. It is not known if the incidents are linked to the theft of charity boxes.

Sgt Justin Watts, of Tonbridge Neighbourhood Police Team said: "This scam is obviously very convincing and seems to work because these men distract and confuse people while they are trying to count money.

"I cannot emphasise enough that if you are asked to change money you should do so very carefully and if you have any doubts contact police."