A MAN pretending to be a police officer has been preying on elderly people across Wokingham to steal money and jewellery from his victims in a sophisticated courier fraud.
The fake officer would call asking the victims to leave their valuables to be collected by a courier later that day.
Now police have released CCTV images of someone who they think has vital information that could help them track down the thief.
The incidents, which are believed to be linked, took place between Friday, January 18 and Friday, January 25.
- The first incident took place on Friday, January 18, around 6pm on Acorn drive, Wokingham.
- The second incident took place on Thursday, January 24, sometime between 5pm and 8.30pm on De Vitre Green, Wokingham.
- The Third incident took place on Friday, January 25, sometime between 9.45am and 4pm on Reading Road, Wokingham.
- And the final incident took place on Friday, January 25, around 3.45pm in Bell House Gardens, Wokingham.
Thames Valley Police said that the frauds were committed by a person claiming to be Detective Constable Tony Moore, a bogus name, from Hammersmith Police. The offender contacted the victims by telephone and advised that they had become part of a fraud investigation.
The victims were instructed to place their jewellery, bank cards and PIN numbers into an envelope which was later collected by a courier.
The offender asked the victims to call 999 for verification, but the offender did not hang up, meaning the telephone line was left open. When the victim called they spoke to a woman, another offender, who verified the false officer name and shoulder number.
After handing over the items, the victims were told that Detective Constable Emma Pimms, another false name, would be in contact with them.
The bank cards were later used to fraudulently purchase goods in the Reading area.
Case Investigator Tina Neale, from the Investigation Hub at Loddon Valley police station, said: “I am keen to speak to the man in these CCTV images, as he may have information which is vital to our investigation.
“If you recognise this man, or have any information in relation to these incidents, please report the details on the Thames Valley Police website quoting reference 4319002555. Alternatively, you can call the non-emergency telephone number, 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“I would also encourage anyone with elderly or vulnerable family and friends to make them aware of this type of fraud.
