SHOP owners are being urged by Clare gardaí to be “very careful” when asked for change of money and not to be distracted.

This follows a recent theft which left a North Clare shop at a loss of €150.

Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Triona Brooks explains, “On August 29 two males entered a shop in north Clare. One male paid for items bought and the second male looked for change of four €50 notes.

“The young shop assistant handed over the €10 notes and the other male used sleight of hand to remove some of the notes from the bundle.

“The other male then handed back the €10 notes and looked for the original four €50 notes back. The shop assistant started to count the €10 when one of the men took it from him and took more notes out of the bundle and another shop assistant gave the 50s back.

“The two men left the shop, and the shop were at a loss of €150. We would advise shop owners to be very careful if a person asks for change of money and don’t be distracted.”