Pensioner Scammed over Watches in Farlington

Officers from Hampshire Police have issued advice after a 92-year-old man was persuaded to hand over cash in a scam. The incident took place in the Sainsbury’s car park in Farlington, Portsmouth, between 11.30am and midday on Tuesday, February 16. The victim was sat in his car when he was approached by a younger man who claimed he needed cash to buy diesel. The victim was persuaded to leave his vehicle and sit in the younger man’s car. The younger man then took money from the victim’s wallet, before driving him to the cash machine at the supermarket where the victim withdrew more money. In total, the younger man took £70 from the victim before handing him six boxes containing watches, which he claimed would be worth more than the money the victim had handed over. The younger man is described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall, with a round face and short hair. He spoke with a Spanish accent and was smartly dressed and clean shaven. PC Hayley McMillan said: “Anyone who saw this man and the victim in a dark saloon car around this time is asked to contact police as soon as possible. “I would also remind people that they should not hand over money to people who claim they need immediate financial help, or get into a stranger’s car in order to go to a cash machine to withdraw money. “If a stranger does approach them and asks for money or offers to drive them to a cash machine, they should refuse. If the stranger persists, they should go to the nearest shop and ask for assistance and for the police to be called.”