Brentwood women conned out of cash on Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday was ruined for three women after a man posing as a police officer allegedly conned them out of cash.

Police are appealing for vigilance after the man called at three addresses, one in Green Lane, Hutton at about 3pm, the second in The Gardens, Doddinghurst at about 4.50pm and the third in Wood Lane, Willingale at about 5.30pm.

The man claimed he was investigating counterfeit money and asked the woman, all aged over 60, to hand over notes in their homes so that they could be investigated. On each occasion, the man did not return with the cash.

The description of the man is similar in each incident. He is described as white, 6ft tall, of large build and with short brown hair.

Det Insp Stephen Ellis said: “I want to stress to residents that police will never ask to take any money from you. We all carry identification which can be verified.

“I know sometimes these people can appear incredibly genuine but please do make all the checks you can to verify what they claim. I do not want anyone else to fall foul of this scam.”

Anyone with information can call police at Loughton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.