BUSINESSES are being urged to make customers remove hoodies, helmets and hats after a sharp rise in frauds in Tamworth.
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Police have been battling to stop a spike in property crime across the city in recent weeks, with a rise in paywave and stolen card frauds too.
On Tuesday, police made a public appeal to find a man who they believe could help an investigation into a paywave fraud in South Tamworth. He has not been charged with any offences, but police went public in a bid to try and identity him.
Police said the man used a debit card at about 4pm on August 29 at the Coles Express service station off Goonoo Goonoo Road.
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The transaction was declined, but police want to speak to the man.
Oxley Detective Acting Inspector Jason Darcy said it comes off the back of a number of reports lately and he said property crimes were adding to the rise.
"We don't want small businesses to fall victim, especially at a time like this, so we need them to remain vigilant, they need to ask customers to remove these items when they serve them," he said.
While masks are being worn by some locals for public health protection, Detective Darcy said businesses should ensure they can still detect facial features.
"There are people who are committing offences with hooded jumpers tied up over their face; people wearing helmets to disguise themselves; caps and hats covering them; there is no excuse for that," he said.
"We need to push home for employers and their staff to ensure they do not serve these people until they take off their hoods, hats and helmets so that the cameras in store can see their faces."
He said businesses should ban all headwear, hats and helmets.
"There is no excuse and if they won't remove these items, then we would urge businesses not to serve them because then they can't commit any offences," Detective Darcy said.
"We have seen multiple times offenders steal cards and make multiple purchases under $100 in quick succession, and businesses need to be on alert for suspicious activity such as several purchases back-to-back; they need to ensure their CCTV is up to date; and be on alert on who is in their store and what they're doing."