Two scam attempts in Dorking. Unfortunately one was successful!
Ref: Pl4351124 + P 14350730. Location: Dorking. Date and Time Mon 8th Dec 19.04 & 12:38 Twice yesterday a man entered local shops and tried to seam occupants of cash to help him fix his broken down car. In one he said he was a doctor in the other he said he knew the boss. Not sure if it was the same man as one was reported as being Mediterranean looking with an Italian accent while the other had an Eastern European appearance and accent.
Distress seams like the ones listed here succeed because the crooks are often very plausible; they seem genuine -but that’s the essence of con artist tricks and is especially effective when it preys on your conscience.
As fraudsters move and change the geographical areas they operate in, all UK residents should also be vigilant about this type of fraud. Any UK resident who has lost money to a fraud like this should report it to Action Fraud.-0300-123-2040
Detectives from East Surrey CID are renewing their appeal for information following distraction thefts against the elderly by releasing CCTV of a woman they would like to speak to. On Wednesday, 3 December a woman in her 70s, visited Bardays bank on Dorking High Street to withdraw .£ 1,000. After leaving the bank she walked with a friend across Sainsbury’s car park when she noticed a strong smell and a yellow substance on the back of her jacket. Shortly after, two women appeared, acting in an animated fashion which officers now believe was a distraction technique. When she arrived home the victim noticed the envelope which contained the money was missing. A similar offence occurred at the Epsom branch of Barclays bank at around I 1.30am on Thursday, 4 December when a man in his 90s withdrew £ I ,000. The victim then took a rest on a seat in the Ashley Centre when he was approached by two women who appeared to want to help him clean a noxious brown substance which had appeared on the back of his head. It was later discovered that his money had also been stolen. Investigating Officer Detective Constable Errol Chetty, said: “Preying on vulnerable members of society is an inexcusable offence and several teams are working together to identify those responsible for the offences.” One of the lines of enquiry we have been following up is studying CCTV in both towns where the offences occurred. We are now able to release an image of a woman who was in Dorking around the time of the first offence and we believe she may hold information vital to this investigation. “I would urge the woman or anyone who can identify her to contact Surrey Police with information. Sometimes, for whatever reason, people wish to provide information anonymously and this can be done through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 Ill. “I believe there could be other potential victims of these offences who have not yet come forward and I would ask these people to speak with us as we need to gather as much information on these crimes as possible. “If you can assist with the investigation in anyway, please contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference 45140102501.