Conman targets young retail staff

POLICE are hunting a conman who steals money by confusing sales staff.
The man tricks young shop staff into overpaying him after trying to buy an item with a $100 note.
Detective Sergeant Garry Kear, of Narre Warren CIU, said staff at stores at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre had reportedly fallen victim to the man.
He urged anyone with information about the man’s identity or whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers.
Detectives also believe the man might be responsible for a series of deceptions in other parts of Victoria, in New South Wales and South Australia.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said police had been investigating the deceptions since late last year and believed the man might be responsible for more than 50 incidents in and around Melbourne.
Police have been told he enters a store and purchases a small item.
He then goes to pay for the item with a $100 note and, once he is handed his change, then asks the attendant for some of the money to be changed into smaller notes while producing more money and placing it on the counter.
Police believe he then asks for more of his money to be changed until the attendant is so confused they give him more change than he is entitled to.
He is also said to target young and inexperienced staff and is striking at retailers in the Melbourne metropolitan area.
He is described as being 174 centimetres, with brown mullet-style hair, has a goatee beard, and is of a solid build.
He has tattoos on both arms and his back. One tattoo is said to be of Ned Kelly and is on his right upper arm.
Police are urging anyone who may have any information on the incidents or can identify the man pictured to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.