North Yorkshire Police warn of broken down motorist scam
There have been at least seven reports in the last two days.
North Yorkshire Police are advising motorists to be on their guard against a scam involving suspects who have been flagging down drivers claiming that their vehicle has broken down and that they need money.
Over the past two days they have received at least seven reports of motorists being stopped and approached by either a man driving a silver Volkswagen or a man driving a dark coloured Fiat.
The descriptions of the men range from Asian, Portuguese or Eastern European with reports received from the Scarborough area, the Ryedale area and the Harrogate area. However, it’s possible that the suspects could target any area.
There have been reports from the Scarborough area including Snainton, Reighton, Cayton and Cloughton, one in Kirbymoorside in Ryedale, followed by a report near East Ayton in the early hours of this morning.
In one instance the suspect wanted to take a motorist to a cash machine to withdraw money, and in others children have been seen inside the suspect vehicle.
Police say most motorists realised the incidents were suspicious and drove away without handing any money over.
Officers are advising members of the public to be on their guard against anyone you see trying to flag down cars and please don’t give money to anyone at the side of the road.
If you have any information that about the incidents, please call 101. In an emergency call 999.