The Derby Police Department wants to warn local businesses about a con artist working a slight of hand scam on convenience stores and small businesses. There were 2 incidents in Colwich this week.

In the first case the individual went to a small convenience store to pay for his gas.  He paid for twenty dollars in gas with a hundred dollar bill. The clerk gave him his change of four twenty dollar bills. As he was pivoting to his left as if to leave the suspect peeled off one of the twenty dollar bills and slid it into his left pocket then turned immediately back to his right to the clerk and told him he had been shortchanged with his money in his right hand.  Since the transaction had only happened 5 seconds before the clerk fell for it and gave the man another twenty dollar bill. .

In the second case the individual went into the COOP office and asked to exchange five twenty dollar bills for a hundred dollar bill. The suspect had just driven past a bank to get to the COOP Office. The clerk quickly helped with his request and pulled out a hundred dollar bill and laid it on the counter.  The man handed over his five twenty dollar bills and while the clerk was distracted by something quickly palmed the one hundred dollar bill and laid out a ten dollar bill.   The suspect then pointed out the ten dollar bill decided he wanted his five twenty dollar bills back. The clerk believing she may have made a mistake returned the twenty dollar bills back to the individual.

 The Individual is described as a white male in his late 30’s or early 40’s, balding and heavily tattooed on both arms.  During both the incidents he was seen driving gold Buick Century.

 If you are approached by the individual with this scam contact 911 to have an officer respond to your business. If you have information on this individual contact the Derby Police Department Investigations section at (316) 788-1558 or contact Crime Stoppers at (316) 788-TIPS.  

Alert sent on 07/18/2013 at 8:00PM EDT

229 N Baltimore, Derby, Kansas 67037

To submit a tip via text message text DERBYPDinactive and your tip to 847411

Alert delivered to the following groups: Derby Police Department

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