Businesses are being warned by police of a shoplifting and burglary gang which is operating in Maghera and Castledawson.
Two women and a man with southern accents are believed to be involved. The woman has blonde hair and is wearing a short sleeve top and shorts. The other woman has dark hair and is wearing a long sleeve top. The man is wearing a peak cap with a dark long sleeve tracksuit type top.
Police say they are using distraction techniques to fill bags and jackets with goods. They are asking staff questions while attempting to pay for items in Euros, then causing a scene, while the others steal goods.
Police say the same team has also been involved in a burglary at a shop in Moneyglass, stealing staff property from the private offices in the shop.
The team may be in the company of an older man who is driving them round.
Businesses have provided good cctv and police are currently running an identification process to confirm who the suspects are.
“We believe they may be from the local area.
In the meantime be alert, advise your staff to be on their guard too. If you are a victim call us straight away, don’t hesitate and where possible give vehicle descriptions and registrations – even partial,” added a PSNI spokesperson.
UPDATE – Two people have since been arrested.