Devizes police are warning shop workers to be vigilant after cash was stolen from the tills of two businesses when they were briefly unattended.

The first theft happened at the Tenovus charity shop in The Brittox on Thursday, April 3.

It was a particularly busy day of trading and £70 was stolen from the till.

And, on Tuesday, April 8, £120 was stolen from the till of Tudor House Hair and Beauty in Northgate Street while staff were away from the shop front at the rear of the salon.

PCSO Luke Woodward, of Devizes Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “On both occasions it would seem the suspect/s have very quickly (within a few seconds) taken the money whilst the tills have been very briefly unattended.

"At this stage we think the thefts are linked and it is the same offenders who have targeted both businesses as this kind of brazen theft is relatively rare in Devizes.

"Unfortunately no one has been seen by any staff members acting suspiciously and no CCTV footage is present.

“The thieves appear to be targeting smaller businesses who may not always have the staff to be on the till at all times.

"Secure till areas, staff training and security measures such as CCTV can all help prevent these kind of losses and deter thieves.

"Devizes is well known for its small, local businesses in the town centre and it is a great shame criminals, who will probably be well experienced in this kind of theft, are beginning to specifically target these smaller shops.”

Any information on the thefts can be reported to Wiltshire Police on 101 or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.