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Essex Police Motorway Scam Warning

Colin Freeman, Essex Watch Administrator has asked AboutMyArea/EN9 to let our visitors know about a scam that is currently happening in the Waltham Abbey area after several incidents of men trying to flag down cars on the motorway have been reported.

The following incident happened near Follittes Fyfield Road layby B184 on Tuesday 22nd  May about 11.00am.
An old Merc was in a layby sticking out into the road. Looked as if it had run out petrol. Two gentleman waving hands stopping cars for petrol money. This time French accents, all three olive skinned. A similar incident has also been reported at Passingford Bridge.

Drivers are being urged to call Essex Police on 101, if men try to flag them down on the motorway after several were stopped in what police believe could be a scam.

Previous incidents include one man who was reported to have jumped into the M25 near Waltham Abbey in an attempt to stop traffic, before telling drivers he had run out of petrol and offering to sell gold jewellery in return for cash to buy the fuel.  Several drivers reported being stopped in this way on the westbound slip road at Junction 26 of the M25 on Sunday 20th May.

PC Simon Reeve said: "We need the public to let us know if they see this so the men can be given suitable words of advice or be arrested for any offences they may have committed. Their actions appear to be suspicious, and the gold items they are offering could be stolen or fake, so please be wary of anyone offering you such items for cash."

Tony Ellis, Crime Reduction Officer, Epping Forest District: "The fact that the incidents have occurred on different days would seem to indicate it might be a trend rather than a ‘one off'.  Best advice is not to stop if strangers try to flag you down.   If they step out so that you have to stop, central lock your doors, keep the windows up and let them see you are getting on your mobile phone.  Don't speak to them. Move off as soon as you can."

Has this happened to you?  Witnesses should call Essex Police on the non-emergency number 101.

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