We are appealing to the public to be vigilant and to look out for vulnerable neighbours, relatives and friends after several incidents in Nailsea and Clevedon where elderly people have been conned.
Two men, both aged 89, have reported that they have been approached by a stranger who has then managed to con them out of cash during two separate incidents.
The first was at the beginning of November. The victim was approached outside Tower House Surgery. A man in a car, who claimed to be Swiss, asked for directions to Gatwick Airport. He handed the victim several cheap watches and asked for cash for petrol, stating he only had Euros. The victim handed over £50 before realising it was a con.
The second happened on 16/11 between 12 and 1pm in the car park of Tesco’s supermarket, Nailsea. The victim was approached by a man claiming to be Italian and asking for directions to Dover. He tried to sell the victim some watches and when the offer was declined he asked for money. The victim offered to give him a small amount and went to the cash point to make a withdrawal, at which point the suspect leaned over him and withdrew £250 from the victim’s account and left.
PC Claire Tanner from Nailsea Police Station said: “So far, we have had two reported cases but I believe there may have been more as I have seen posts on the Hello Clevedon Facebook page that outline similar incidents. If this is the case, please get in touch with me.
If you have information about any of these incidents, or you have been or know someone who has been the victim of a similar incident then please get in touch with PC Tanner either via the 101 number or by emailing her through the website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk Please quote URN: 5216255691