Police investigating an incident on the M25 motorway in which a woman was conned out of cash are appealing for witnesses and information.
The incident happened at around 12.15pm on Saturday, November 8 when a 48-year-old woman from Kings Langley was travelling alone along the motorway near to South Mimms services.
A man flagged the woman down on the anti-clockwise entry slip road at junction 24 and said he needed to borrow some money to get home.
The man then placed items of jewellery on the woman’s passenger seat to keep temporarily until he had repaid her the money. He also handed her a business card with details of how to contact him, which turned out to be fake.
The woman drove to the services to withdraw cash for the man, who followed in a gold-coloured vehicle being driven by another man.
The victim handed over £140 and the two men left. The victim then realised that the jewellery was worthless.
The main suspect is described as being of Asian appearance, aged in his late 20s to early 30s, of stocky build and between 5ft 7in and 5ft 8in tall. He had short black hair and was clean shaven. He was wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and blue Lacoste trainers.
PC Paul Francis from the Potters Bar Safer Neighbourhood Team is investigating and said: “This was a disgraceful con which targeted a woman who was travelling alone and I am keen to trace those responsible as soon as possible.
“I would like to hear from anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a similar scam or who has been approached by a man matching the description given.
“It is thought the two men involved in this incident are working together and are using a gold compact MPV-type vehicle. If you believe you saw the vehicle in the area either around the time of or prior to the incident then please get in contact.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Francis via the Hertfordshire Constabulary non-emergency number 101, citing crime reference J3/14/1050. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
