THE Scissor Lady fraudster has struck in Launceston hitting shops where she first damages goods and then claims refunds.

The alert has gone out to other towns after a spate of incidents in the town which saw 11 shops targets in the damaged goods scam and another three shops where goods had been damaged by scissors but no refunds claimed.

Now, West Devon retailers are being alerted to the Scissor Lady fraudster who has a rather novel take on shopping for cut priced goods. Her scam is a real snip — literally with scissors!

Scissor Lady first struck in Launceston costing retailers "hundreds of pounds" and West Devon Borough Council has been asked by the Chairman of Launceston Chamber of Commerce, Paul Loft to alert their Tavistock counterparts and other retailers in the area.

The woman has targeted a range of shops, from pet shops to chemists, newsagents, hardware shops and gift shops, and seems to select goods with a value of £20 or more — everything from reading glasses, books, pet collars and toys, scarves, gloves and hardware items.

Mr Loft says: "A woman has been visiting shops, taking things from shelves unseen, then taking them to the counter and saying she purchased the item(s) some days ago and they are damaged.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please pick up this week's edition of the 'Post'.