Sussex Police issue warning over bogus refuse collectors after Rye woman is conned into paying dodgy trio to remove her sofa

The incident happened on Tuesday (May 5) in Pottingfield Road, Rye, when three men purporting to be council employees said they could dispose of the unwanted items.

But the tricksters simply dumped the furniture in Cooper Road on the same estate.

Sergeant Warren Downs, of the Rye neighbourhood policing team, told the Observer: “While the resident believed that the men would take away the items, our advice would be to contact the district council.

“It can, for a fee, arrange for the legitimate removal of unwanted items and dispose of them safely.”

Anyone who noticed the men, a vehicle or anything else suspicious, or who has been similarly approached, is asked to email [email protected] or phone 101, quoting serial 882 of 5/5.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.