Beware this con artist on Acton streets

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Police appeal for help in finding her

Ealing Borough Police are appealing for help from the general public in identifying a female suspect who police believe is responsible for acquiring property by deception during an incident which occurred in St Dunstan’s Avenue, W3, on Wednesday 4th Oct 2006.

The victim of the con, an elderly lady, received a knock at her front door from the female con artist who said she was a very good friend of the lady’s neighbours and listed their names.

The suspect then told the victim that the neighbours had all gone out and she required some financial help to get back to work. She then asked to use the victim’s phone to ring her workplace, which she said was at Heathrow - Terminal 4.

 

The lady, by now reassured that the suspect knew her neighbours, let the suspect into her property to make the call, which lasted a couple of minutes.

 

Following the call the suspect asked the victim for the cost of the journey to Heathrow, which she stated would cost approximately £7. The victim only had £10, which the suspect took stating she would return in the morning to repay the victim. To date, the suspect has not returned.

 

The neighbours have been contacted and have confirmed they do not know of anyone fitting the suspect’s description.

 

Further enquiries in the street revealed the suspect also visited another property in the road on the same day. On this occasion she indicated that she was currently living with a family on the road and was locked out. She asked to for permission to use the phone to contact the family. However, the householder did not grant permission.

 

Suspect: White Female, 25 - 30yrs old, slim/medium build, dark shoulder length wavy hair, who according to the victims was smartly dressed in a brown knee length coat and a pair of trousers (colour not known).

 

• Did you see this female in the Acton area around the time of the offence?
• Have you been approached by this female at any time in the Acton area?
• Do you know this female?

 Please contact the Police if you have any information. Contact details in above box.

October 6, 2006