Conmen trick Hove woman into handing over blank cheque

Two conmen tricked an elderly Hove woman into giving them a blank signed cheque.

The pair approached the 88-year-old woman in the Palmeira Avenue area at about 1pm on Saturday (19 January).

They said that they were spreading grit for a charity and offered to grit her steps for £2, to which she agreed.

They came back to her flat a short while later and convinced her that she should give them a blank signed cheque.

After they left she realised that two pound coins had also gone.

Both men were described as white and about 6ft tall with local accents.

One was in his thirties and had a slightly bulky build. He had brown fairly short hair, was clean shaven and had a fairly broad face.

He was wearing casual clothing and may also have had a tattoo on his neck.

The second man was of a thin build, slightly younger than the first man and may have had a hat on. He seemed to have a darker complexion and may have been wearing dark clothing.

PC Steven Morris said: “This was despicable crime against an elderly person.

“We always encourage residents to be very wary of cold callers.

“Check them out and don’t agree to anything or let them in unless you are completely sure about them.

“If in doubt call police on 101 – or 999 if they are still present.

“Relatives and neighbours can help by reminding the more elderly and vulnerable about this advice.”

He urged anyone who was in the Palmeira Avenue area on Saturday afternoon and who saw the men or was approached by them to call Sussex Police on 101.

Witnesses can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555111.