By Belize Live News Staff: It took just a moment of distraction for an Orange Walk businessman to lose thousands of dollars.
The store manager says a stranger walked into his business on Tuesday and offered to exchange US dollars for Belize currency. The two counted their money in front of each other, and the US$2,000 the man handed over appeared correct.
But before the deal was complete, the man took a phone call and began backing out of the exchange. In that short window, he allegedly swapped the bag holding the US cash and walked out.
More than an hour later, the manager opened the bag and found just US$25 in one dollar bills.
The suspect is described as tall and dark skinned, wearing a blue hat, brown shirt and black long pants.
Police are reminding business owners and the public to be cautious with informal currency exchanges, especially with strangers. Keep your eyes on your money at all times, avoid distractions during transactions, and use banks or licensed money exchange services whenever possible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Orange Walk Police or Crime Stoppers at 922.
