A conman has taken nearly £1,500 from pensioners after selling them fake designer jackets.
Police have warned the man had targeted homes around the villages of New Longton, Hutton and Walmer Bridge and even driven people to their bank to withdraw cash to pay for the garments.
The man has struck three times within the last fortnight and there are fears he is targeting the area selling leather jackets and watches.
PCSO Paul Fitzpatrick said the man appeared on people’s doorsteps “like a long lost relative” before conning his way into homes.
He said: “He always gives the same story, that he has a few of these jackets as ‘end of line’ products and is looking to sell them to pay for a plane ticket to Italy.
“The value of the coats is often less than a 10th of the price he is charging people, yet he stops at nothing to get the full price.
“He never claims they are designer or even leather jackets, but he definitely gives people the impression they are valuable.”
On one occasion the man drove his victim to their bank in nearby Penwortham and forced them to withdraw more than £400 in cash.” The officer added the victims he had spoken with had been left “deeply embarrassed” and afraid to report the incident to the police.
PCSO Fitzpatrick said Lancashire Trading Standards had confirmed they had received similar reports of a man matching the description targeting areas in Merseyside dating back to 2008.
The man is described as being white, Italian, with a heavy build, around 5ft 9in tall and with balding hair. He drives a silver or mustard-coloured Mercedes car and could have more than one vehicle.
Anyone with any information should contact PCSO Fitzpatrick directly on 01772 413912.
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