Gold scam warning after Shropshire drivers offered jewellery
Motorists across Shropshire are being warned not to stop if they are flagged down by men trying to sell gold rings at the side of the road.
Police received reports that a group of men, believed to be Eastern European, are flagging passing vehicles down in lay-bys and claiming to have run out of petrol.
They then offer to sell the motorist a "valuable" gold ring, for around £20 so they have money to buy some petrol, because they are on the way to a family emergency or a similar excuse.
But it is believed the jewellery is virtually worthless.
However police are not aware of anyone giving the men any money, but are urging the public to be vigilant and to not offer their cash in suspicious circumstances.
The scam has been reported in various places across the county including the A49 in Shrewsbury, the Pickmere island which links the A41 and A5 close to Weston-under-Lizard, Crackley Bank in Shifnal and the B5062 between Shrewsbury and Roden.
A description of one of the men involved in scam on the Pickmere island has been provided by police.
He is said to be around 30-years-old, with a beard and was wearing a suit. He also spoke with a Eastern European accent and drove a grey car.
The other men involved are also believed to have strong Eastern European accents.
Police have not received any further reports about the scam since Saturday and no-one was found at the scenes, but officers have warned people to be on guard against such offers.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting incidents 0421S, 0382S, 0361S and 0310S of Saturday 9 May.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, via 0800 555 111.
