'Dapper' man is conning shoppers

From the Salisbury Journal, first published Saturday 7th Jan 2006.

SALISBURY police are trying to trace a "dapper" man who has been conning people out of money in the city centre.

Once in November and twice in December, the man approached members of the public asking for money, telling them his car had been towed away and that he did not have the train fare home.

He promises that he will return the money as soon as he gets back to his home in Teignmouth, Devon, and even goes as far as giving an address and postcode.

A police spokeswoman said: "Everyone we have spoken to has given this man at least £20 to £30 and, needless to say, they have never heard from him again.

"What makes him so plausible is that he is an older gentleman, 60 to 70 years of age, and very well dressed in a tweed coat, brown trousers and well-polished leather shoes and is very well spoken.

"We would like to urge members of the public not to fall for this man's act, and anyone approached by someone fitting his description and giving the same sob-story is asked to contact the police straight away.

"This man is preying on the good nature of the general public and Wiltshire Police would very much like to hear from anyone who might have given him money or anyone who might know him or have more information about him."

People with any information are asked to contact PC Tim Read, at Salisbury police station, on 01722 411444, or to call Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.

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