Detectives in North Surrey are warning residents to beware of a scam where people are being conned into handing over cash for alcohol and cigarettes but are left without the promised goods.
Officers have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with an incident last week during which a number of people were fleeced out of hundreds of pounds.
The fraudster targeted a number of people at an office building in Sunbury last Wednesday (18 October), telling them his off-licence business was closing down and that he needed to dispose of some cheap stock. The victims handed over a total of around ￡600. The suspect has asked one of the victims to drive him to the off-licence in Green Street in Sunbury, instructing them to park at the back. The suspect has then made off with their cash but without handing over any alcohol or cigarettes in return.
The suspect is described as Asian with an English accent, in his late 40s, 5 ft 8 to 5 ft 10 tall, of large build. He had a shaved head, a scar on his upper lip and a mole below one eye. He was wearing a brown leather jacket, blue jeans and black suede shoes with leather straps.
Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV image, has any information, or believes they have been targeted by a similar scam, is asked to contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference SL/13/6177. Alternatively, information can be passed to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
