THIEVES trying a new scam at a well-known Letterkenny store have been thwarted – by CCTV.
Penneys in the shopping centre in the town has dealt with a number of people who have lift items inside the store and then take them to the exchange counter claiming they are returns.
Trained staff now trace the movements of everyone seeking to exchange goods – to make sure they arrived in the store with the items beforehand.
Details of one case were revealed at Letterkenny District Court this week.
A 51-year-old divorced mother of two from Derry had travelled to the town and attempted the scam.
She entered the Penneys Store on January 9 and proceeded to collect five items of clothing.
But instead of paying for them at the check-out, she exchanged them and left the store.
Judge Paul Kelly was told the goods were valued at €51.
Gardai later apprehended the woman as she went into the Tesco store nearby after being called by store detectives. The items were never recovered.
Judge Kelly ordered the woman to pay an immediate fine of €190 and pay €51 compensation to Penneys.