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Appeal as gold con gang strikes in Staffordshire again

A gang targeting unsuspecting motorists in Staffordshire by pretending to have broken down before selling them fake jewellery or gold has struck again.

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Another motorist has been targeted, this time in Shenstone, near Lichfield.

It comes just a day after Staffordshire Police issued a warning about the con, which had seen 14 drivers snared within just a few days.

Members of the gang park in laybys off main commuter roads and pretend their cars have broken down.

They then flag down passing cars and ask drivers for money in exchange for jewellery or gold which later turns out to be fake. Reports of the scam have been made across the county, including in Lichfield, Brereton and Wolseley Bridge.

The latest case happened on February 7 in St John's Hill, Shenstone, police said today.

It has sparked a fresh warning from officers for people to be on their guard and report anything suspicious.

Detective Superintendent Juliet Prince, from Staffordshire Police, said: "We would urge people to be vigilant and if they are approached to contact police immediately with as much information as possible about the vehicle or person that approached them."

The offenders are described as being Asian or Eastern European in appearance. One has as a scar on his nose, which is described as being quite distinctive. Cars used by the gang have included a Mercedes, Fiat Punto and Volkswagen Estate, leading police to believe the scam is being operated by a gang rather than individuals.

The offences are said to have happened over a short space of time, including in Lichfield city centre on January 30, at Muckley Corner on January 31 and on the A34 between Lichfield and Burton on February 3. There were three more incidents across the county on February 4. Anyone with information should call police on 101.

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