Teenager duped into letting fake salesman into home

Police have just released details in an appeal for witnesses after the young woman let a man into her North Bersted Street home at around 2pm on Monday, March 4.

She stayed with the fraudster as he checked out the property, leaving him only briefly to get her mobile phone.

The teen called a relative, who confirmed no arrangements had been made for solar panels to be fitted - she then asked the man to leave, which he did.

When inside the house, the man looked in a drawer and removed an old wallet, before discarding it on the bed when he found it was empty.

Detective Constable Della Squires of West Sussex CID said: “The suspect had conned his way into home under the pretence that he was working for a legitimate company.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area and saw or heard any suspicious activity to please get in touch by calling 101 quoting serial 1495 4/3 or alternatively leave an anonymous message with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The suspect is described as a white, aged 50-60 years old, around 5’ 8”, of a large build, with a protruding stomach. He had white hair along with a white beard and was well spoken.

The suspect was seen driving a silver-coloured vehicle with the registration LV51MFK, which carried ladders on its roof.

DC Squires said: “Please do not let anyone into your home unless you are certain they are who they say they are. If in doubt keep them out.

“Genuine employees of facility companies will be happy to wait whilst you call the company. The elderly are particularly vulnerable when it comes to this type of crime.”