Fuel station staff in Sidmouth are being warned to be vigilant after police report a trend in scams involving the theft of tobacco.

Devon and Cornwall Police are warning fuel station staff to be careful when receiving calls from a 'senior manager' after a number of fuel stations across the county have been targeted by scammers.

A police spokesperson said: "We are seeing a trend of offences where garage forecourt staff are being contacted by someone purporting to be a senior manager, the staff are asked to bag up various tobacco products and put them in a clear bag and hand to a taxi or delivery van, which will be sent to the location to collect.

"Often the reason given is that other garages are in urgent need of stock so it is being redistributed.

"Whilst tobacco is often the focus, drinks, phone top ups and even cash have been requested. Inexperienced night staff who can't corroborate the request or are unwilling to challenge the 'senior manager' are being targeted by offenders."

If any such calls are received please inform the police keeping a log of phones numbers used by the offenders.

If you have any information please phone 101 or email [email protected]. If you have suspects on scene please phone 999.