Police hunt for man who conned Leigh couple out of cash (From Southend Standard)

Police hunt for man who conned Leigh couple out of cash

8:20am Monday 10th September 2012 in News

DETAILS of a man who conned an unsuspecting couple out of money have been released by Essex Police. 

The thief, thought to be white and in his late 40s, offered to repair the front door of the retired couple’s property in Grasmere Avenue, in Leigh.

Despite the door not being broken, the male homeowner handed over £60.

The female owner then returned home and spoke to the man who requested another £160, at which point she asked him for identification.

The conman ran off with the £60 towards Glenbervie Drive, claiming he would be back later, but did not return.

He is described as approximately 5ft 3inches tall, of medium build, sporting stubble and having a London accent.

At the time he was wearing a grey-striped baseball cap which had an unusually large peak, a dark-grey V-neck woollen jumper and black trousers.

Police are urging homeowners to keep strangers out of their properties. Investigating Officer, Dc Iain White, said: “We would urge and remind all homeowners to refuse entry to any stranger turning up on their doorstep without appointment and to obtain valid identification from those who do so.

"If these people are who they say they are, then they will only be too happy and patient while you verify the details with their manager.

“We really want to catch this man so are urging anyone who saw him, helped with the description provided, in Leigh or the surrounding area, on Wednesday to contact us.”

The fraud took place at 11:30am on Wednesday September 5.

Anyone with information in connection should contact detectives at Southend police station on 101.