Con Artist In S.w. - Not M/c Related

For those of you that live/drive in the South West corner of the U.K. PLEASE be aware of this man :-

https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/1...-persuaded-good-samaritans-to-hand-over-cash/

https://metro.co.uk/2018/05/05/man-...tended-hitchhiker-steal-cash-drivers-7522787/

He operates on the M5; M4; A303 corridors. He is tall - aged around 50, approx. 6' 3"; greying hair; wears a black "puffa" jacket and blue jeans with brown/tan (chelsea type) boots. Usually hitching and carrying an empty, green plastic fuel can. If picked up he spins a VERY plausible story about his broken down van and trailer and needing money to avoid an £800 bill for recovery to Penzance, Cornwall. He is highly believable and full of promises to pay back anything loaned to him as soon as he gets home!! It is, of course, a complete con.

He was sentenced to 12 months in prison in April this year but is, clearly, out again already and back up to his usual tricks. He conned me out of a lot of money yesterday (Monday 29th October). Yeah, I know, more fool me for believing him and trusting him but I'm an old-(literally)-school biker and will always try to help someone in genuine distress .... I just need to work MUCH harder on recognising the genuine. I dropped him at Taunton Deane services northbound at about 16:00.

Feel free to pick this guy up and bring him round to my place before dropping him off at the nearest police station - I have a couple of friends named "Zuki" that want to make contact with him.

Spread the word - I don't do social media, but if you do, please feel free to broadcast as widely as possible before more people get caught.

Stay safe out there.


Regards,

Adie