AN ELDERLY woman is alleged to have taken £105 from a shop's till through a sleight of hand trick.

The lady believed to be in her 60s or 70s went into Gibsons Corner Shop at about 6pm on Sunday December 15 selecting an item and going to the till.

She then spoke to the young cashier about how modern £10 and £20 notes are very similar to the old £1 notes which were phased out in 1984.

Then the customer went behind the counter to point out which notes looked similar.

It is during this exchange when it is believed the woman took the cash.

CCTV images have been released of the suspect and police are warning other shops to be wary of letting customers behind the tills.

Pc Alan Nock said: "We believe that when the woman was standing near the till she used sleight of hand to help herself to £105.

"The theft was not realised until later when the takings were found to be lower than expected.

"We want to warn other shops to be on guard against this trick and urge shop staff to never let customers get close enough to reach into an opened till drawer."

Anyone with information should contact Pc Nock at the Chelmsford City Neighbourhood Crime Team on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.