 Victims later find the visitor was not a real firefighter |
A man posing as a firefighter who needs emergency cash to get to work has tricked some of his victims into giving him a bed for the night. He has struck across seven counties in the Midlands and north, approaching lone women saying he has lost his car keys and has no money to get home.
The man has asked some for train fare but others have offered him shelter.
He has struck at least 22 times across Derbys, Notts, Lincs, Humberside, Cheshire plus South and West Yorkshire.
DC Kev Harper, of Derbyshire Constabulary, said the caller leaves victims with a name, address, mobile phone number and a fire station name for contact.
He said: "Sometimes he has even stopped at the victim's house overnight where he has talked about money-making schemes and persuaded people to give him more money.
"It is only when the victim of this scam makes enquiries to trace him that they realise he has given false details.
"I think there may be many other unreported crimes because people could feel embarrassed about being tricked in this way or think that there is nothing the police can do.
"This man is stealing money from people who feel sorry for him. It is a despicable crime and we want to prevent him from committing other offences.
The trickster was described by as white, in his mid 30s, about 5ft 7in, with short, fair hair and muscular build. He is always casually dressed.
Police are also looking at neighbouring forces to see if he has struck in Durham, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Staffordshire.
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It is a despicable crime and we want to prevent him from committing other offences
