Conman targets elderly couple

The audacious thief struck in Battle on Saturday afternoon (October 6).

The man barged into the couple’s home in Hastings Road, just west of Telham Lane, demanding £65 for removing a tree in the garden.

Following some confusion over who the stranger was, the couple handed over £40 and the man left.

The man was described as white, aged in his 40s and around 5’7” tall.

Police believe a vehicle parked on a kerb nearby may have been involved.

It is described as dark coloured and the size of a people carrier.

Anyone who may have more information about the vehicle, or who has recently received visits from suspicious cold callers asking about gardening work or removal of trees, is asked to call Sussex Police on 101, quoting serial 0580 of 7/10, or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Detective Constable Alex Campbell, of the East Sussex Priority Crime Team, said: “These types of offences are rare but upsetting for the victims.

“I’d like to ask anyone who saw or heard anything, in particular any suspicious people or vehicles on Saturday afternoon, to contact Sussex Police.

“Lastly, please can I remind all not to allow strangers in to your home and to check identification of people knocking at your door by calling the company they state they are from, if they are genuine they will have no problem with this; if they refuse to show you ID you are perfectly within your rights call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”