Bogus police officer cons elderly

The man told elderly people he needed to check their bank notes

A man posing as a police officer stole large sums of money from two people in their 90s on Saturday.

Police think the man also tried to con two other elderly people out of money nearby on the same day.

In all four cases - two in Hastings and one each in Battle and Burwash - a man said he was checking for forged bank notes and needed to take their money.

Police think the same man was involved each time and are warning elderly or vulnerable people to be on their guard.

Looked through belongings

The first incident happened at about midday at the home of a 91-year-old man in Park View, Hastings.

The visitor said he had to check bank notes and was given a large amount of cash which he took away.

About two hours later, a man called on an elderly woman in Heathfield Road, Burwash.

He looked through her belongings but she had no money and he left with nothing.

Police think the same man got away with a large sum of money from a 90-year-old woman in Hastings Road, Battle, after using the same story.

White van

The fourth incident took place in the St Helens area of Hastings when a man said he was part of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

But the elderly man he called on refused to let him in.

Police think the same man was involved each time because the descriptions given by the victims were similar.

In each case the man was smartly dressed in a suit and police said one witness saw him drive away in a white van.

Police said the crimes had left the victims feeling foolish and vulnerable and warned people to be vigilant.