Bogus caller steals cheque from Hove pensioner

A conman stole a cheque and an old passport from a pensioner in Hove.

The bogus caller asked the man, in his mid-eighties, about doing some painting work at his home in Prinsep Road, Hove.

He also asked to use the toilet. After leaving the pensioner found his out-of-date passport and a cheque had been stolen.

The suspect was described as white, aged about 20, 5ft 10in tall, with light brown hair and a moustache.

The incident happened at about 11am on Saturday (19 January) and was reported to police yesterday (Wednesday 23 January).

Detective Sergeant Ariarna Giles, of the Brighton and Hove Priority Crime Team, said: “This was a despicable act and we have arranged extra welfare and crime prevention support for the victim.

“We are asking anyone who was in the area of Prinsep Road on Saturday morning and who saw this man, or anyone else who has had a similar approach, to contact us.

“We always remind residents not to let cold callers in unless completely satisfied about their identity and a genuine reason for being there. If in doubt keep them out and call us via 101 or via 999 if they are still there.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.