The owner of a pet shop in Orpington has released CCTV images of a man he suspects of scamming two teenage shop assistants.

James Brown, owner of Orpington Pet Suppliers, was not present at the time of the alleged scam on Saturday (April 21) at around 2.30pm.

He told News Shopper: “I looked at the CCTV. A guy walked in, essentially throwing his arms about, he had a flash, cocky demeanour.

“He was complimenting the girls on their tattoos and what not.”

According to James – the man in a black cap went to buy a small packet of fish food, costing £2.15.

The shop assistant handed him back £17.85 in change.

James said: “As soon as the till was shut, the man changed his mind. He said: ‘Oh, actually I didn’t realise it was only £2.15.’

“After giving the girls back a five pound note and five pounds in coins – he exchanged it for the 10 pound note.”

The alleged scammer then changed his mind again – and ended up making the girls hand over £20 – along with change, to make a profit of £27.

James said it was a “well known scam” and he advised other retailers to be aware of it.

The shop owner said: “He basically made two confused girls think they still owed him change.

“I’ve seen it many times before. They are not robbers as such, they are not sticking their hands in tills threatening people.

“They are out to confuse you. The girls said he was slightly sweating and had a threatening demeanour, and that when he was questioned, he would say ‘I was only asking for my change love’.

“He was not nice and very full on.”

James said he has not yet sent the CCTV footage to police.