A man is wanted in connection with a fraud in which he targeted a community member of a local church in Leighton Buzzard.
Bedfordshire Police have released pictures of the man they need to speak to in relation with this incident and are appealing to members of the public to help identify him.
The offender knocked on the door of an 86-year-old man and asked for money to help him get back to Jersey claiming his mother had died.
The fraud happened in Waterloo Road, Leighton Buzzard on Monday, August 13 when the victim handed over £70 in cash to the man who called himself ‘Gerald’.
There have been reports of similar scams and it is possible this offence is linked to a number of other similar offences currently being investigated by Northamptonshire Police.
The offender is described as a white man, approximately 5’9 tall and in his late 40s, with a slim build and short fair hair.
Detective Constable Michelle Webb, investigating, is keen to speak to anyone who can help identify the man in the attached pictures.
DC Webb said: “On this occasion he had clearly carried out some local research before targeting his victim, as they recall him quoting local vicars and wardens names to form part of his story. I would urge anyone who has been approached by this man to report this to the police.”
If you have information relating to this incident you can contact DC Webb, in confidence, on 01582 394026, Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text your message to 07786 200011.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.