RESIDENTS are being warned to be on their guard after a 93-year-old man was approached in The Forge car park, in Stockton Heath, and persuaded to buy three fake leather coats.
The elderly man had parked at The Forge and was soon engaged in conversation with a man who offered to sell him three ‘leather jackets’ claiming that he didn’t want to take them back on the flight home with him.
The gentleman didn’t have sufficient cash with him and the unknown male accompanied him to a cash machine in Stockton Heath. The man wanted more money but settled for £30 for the three coats.
Cllr Judith Guthrie, executive board member for public protection, said: “It’s despicable that someone would take advantage of such a trusting man. In this instance the bargain wasn’t what it appeared as the coats are of poor quality and certainly aren’t leather. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.”
Peter Astley, Warrington council’s assistant director for regulation and protection said: “Officers from trading standards are continuing their investigation to identify who this unknown male was and, while the financial loss could have been a lot worse, it’s always of great concern when unscrupulous traders accompany people to the cash point or bank to withdraw money. It is fortunate that the gentleman told his wife and daughter what had happened and his daughter reported it to my team”
If you are approached by anyone offering items for sale in unusual circumstances report it to Trading Standards on 0345 4040506.
Caption: Peter Astley, assistant director for regulation and protection, with the coats
1 Comment
I’m sure there are a few cctv cameras on the Forge car park and possibly through the forge shops walkway too. Have the police checked, or maybe cameras near the cash machines or other shops they may have walked past. Sickened by what the evil scum bag has done to the elderly gent and I hope they are spotted on camera and their mug shot shown so they are caught, names and shamed and dealt with !