Fraudster '˜trapped by off duty cop'

The 28-year-old was arrested on Sunday, March 5 after he flagged down an off duty police officer in London Road, Apsley.

He was further arrested on suspicion of fraudulently obtaining insurance documents in relation to the vehicle he was driving and has been released on bail until March 20, pending further enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Andy Smith, from Dacorum Local Crime Unit, said: “Police have received reports of similar incidents across Dacorum in recent weeks, particularly in Tring and on the A41, where motorists have allegedly been flagged down by a man in a vehicle and then offered fake gold for sale. In some circumstances, the driver stated he had run out of petrol and asked for petrol money.

“I would ask anyone who thinks they may have seen a similar incident, or believes they have been targeted in similar circumstances, to contact the Dacorum Local Crime Unit via the non-emergency number 101.

“If someone is trying to flag you down for help, our advice is to not stop. Keep driving until you get to the next public place and then help them by informing the police. This way you don’t put yourself at risk.”