A con artist has stolen hundreds of pounds from stores in the Witney area using a pre-paid card.

Police last night warned shopkeepers and businesses of the scam.

They said there had been three incidents involving a woman using a Prime Mastercard, which allows the owner to put money on to it and use it as a voucher.

The incidents happened between 5pm and 6.15pm on Tuesday when the woman entered three different stores and asked for £350 to be added to her card. Every time the cashier asked for the money, the woman claimed she was five pounds short and would go out to get it.

In each case the woman did not return to the store, leaving the card at the shop.

But the credit was already on the card, which the user can access and spend online.

The incidents happened in the Witney, Long Hanborough and Minster Lovell areas.

Sgt Mike Welsh said: “The suspect may have tried to steal from other shops.”

Call Sgt Welsh on 08458 505505, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.