VULNERABLE shoppers are being targeted by a suspected street gambler.

Thames Valley Police issued a warning following a number of reports of a man in the town centre using three cups and a ball to lure people into handing over their money.

An eye-witness, who did not wish to be named, said he could see two women handing over large sums of cash in order to entice the large crowds.

He explained: "Dozens of people were drawn in by what was going on.

"It was clearly something dodgy, so I tried to watch from a distance.

"There was a man with three cups and a ball on a blue mat and he would let these two women win to make people think they had a chance of winning.

"I am worried some people could fall for this trick and be scammed into handing over money."

A Reading Borough Council spokesman said it is aware of the activity, adding: “We are liaising with police on the matter.

"In the meantime our Regulatory Services team would always advise people to be very wary of any street activity of this kind.”

The post on Thames Valley Police's Facebook page reads: "Due to a number of reports at Reading Police Station, please be aware of a male in Reading town centre using the three cups trick to scam members of the public out of money.

"Please do not give your money to this trick.

"Following a number of reports of individuals operating the 'cup and ball trick' in Reading town centre, a dispersal notice was issued on September 20, giving Police Officers the power to order those involved to leave the area. 

"In addition two people were arrested for offences under the Gambling Act 2005.

"One has been issued with a Police caution and the other released under investigation.

"We would like to remind members of the public that this is not a trick, it is a scam involving several people.

"Members of the group are placed within the crowd to bet and win in order to encourage members of the public to participate.

"When members of the public start betting sleight of hand is then used to make sure they lose money.

"These events also provide opportunities for pickpockets to operate amongst the crowds."