SHOPKEEPERS are being targeted by a Cher lookalike who is using fake cheques to pay for goods.
At least five shops in the Lindley and Marsh area, as well as one in Elland, have accepted cheques from the woman which have then bounced.
Last Wednesday the woman, said to be in her mid-40s, visited Alison Rayner’s Don’t Forget shop on Westbourne Road and got into her stock room before being caught.
Alison and her fellow shop owners have since turned community crime officers by alerting others in the area.
The woman is believed to have got away with more that £150 worth of goods paid for by a cheque.
She even went into the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not children’s hospice shop.
Alison Rayner of Don’t Forget card shop said: “We’re all just amazed by this woman and her nerve.
“I only noticed something wrong last Wednesday when I found this woman in my stock room.
“I managed to get her out of the shop and I reported it to the police even though she didn’t get away with anything – I just wanted to alert them to what had happened.
“But it’s since happened at other shops.
“In one she got her acrylic nails done but paid with a cheque which bounced.
“The she has been up to Lindley and also into the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust charity shop and gave them a cheque too.
“She didn’t buy anything here but she has been going round a lot of shops and we don’t want it to happen to anyone else.”
Lucy Dixon at Nailtec on Westbourne Road added: “She came in to see me on Saturday and bought some bags and jewellery from me.
“I gave her discount so everything came to £58 but when I tried to pay the cheque in it bounced.
“It was only when I was speaking to someone else that I put two and two together and realised she’d been to other places.
“I get the same clients coming back again and again and I do accept cheques, but I’ve learnt my lesson with this one.”
The shopkeepers are now warning others in the area and further afield to be on their guard.
While police are also advising shopkeepers not to accept a cheque without the correct identification.
Sgt Lesley Barraclough of the Huddersfield North Neighbourhood Policing Team said “We are aware of these concerns and have been in contact with local shops in the area.
“Officers have spoken to the shopkeeper who reported an incident where a cheque had bounced and we will be taking a statement.
“I would advise shopkeepers not to accept a cheque without the cheque card or another form of identification. If you have any particular concerns then please contact the local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 01484 436 729 and let us know.”
