This in from the police, in their own words. Ed
Police on the Isle of Wight are appealing for witnesses and information after two Island residents are targeted by conmen.
A 75-year-old man from Ventnor and an 86-year-old man from Cowes were both approached on the pretext of buying items of jewellery and second hand goods.
The first incident happened between 10.00am and 12.00pm on Friday, July 19 at an address in Wyatts Lane, Cowes, when a man called at the property asking the owner if he had any items for sale.
The man is described as:
- White with tanned complexion
- Aged between 40 and 50
- Between 5ft 4ins and 5ft 6ins tall
- Light brown neat combed hair
- Well spoken with a southern accent, but didn’t appear to be from the Island
- Wearing a tweed or sports jacket that was a light brown colour
- Appeared well dressed clean and smart, was very friendly and smiley
Ventnor incident
The second incident occurred between 1.30pm and 2.00pm on Monday, July 22 at an address in Ventnor Road, Ventnor, when a man knocked on the door and said he was looking to buy items like coins, watches and ornaments.
The man was described as white, between 5ft 9ins and 5ft 10ins tall with fair hair and wearing light coloured shirt and trousers.
Detective Sergeant John Walton of Newport CID said:
“We are linking these incidents and believe the same man is responsible for deliberately conning his way into the homes of frail and vulnerable elderly victims.
“Sadly, all too often in these type of incidents people feel too embarrassed to come forward or think they are wasting police time, contrary to that it is vital if you know of someone, or you yourself have been approached by this type of criminal please contact the police now on 101.”
Get in touch
Anyone with information can contact DS John Walton at Newport DCID by phoning 101. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Image: David Paul Ohmer under CC BY 2.0
