Lightwater motorist asked to hand over cash in M3 motorway repeat scam

A MOTORIST was flagged down in Lightwater and asked to hand over her money in circumstances which mirror the recent offences on  the M3 motorway slip roads.

The woman was travelling along Guildford Road from Lightwater towards Guildford when she was flagged down by a man standing in a lay-by next to a red car. The man, who is described as European, told her he did not have any money to feed his family and asked her for some cash.

Police are linking this incident to a number of reported offences on January 22 and February 3 near the junctions of the M3 motorway in which drivers were flagged down and asked to hand over cash.

Two incidents happened on Tuesday, 22 January when a man stopped cars on the entry slips at junction 3 and 4 of the M3. The bogus driver claimed he had run out of petrol and needed cash to buy some.

The main suspect is described as an Asian man, in his thirties, of slim build with dark hair. He was wearing a dark grey suit and spoke with what is believed to be a French accent. The second man seen to approach a car is described as being slightly fat, aged between 30 and 40-years-old and was wearing jeans and a dark coloured jumper.

A further suspicious incident was reported on Sunday, 3 February in which a lone man was trying to flag down vehicles on the London bound carriageway at junction 4 of the M3.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Chris Greatorex said: "I would urge motorists to be aware of this suspicious activity and to ensure they are not caught out by these con men. If you see a lone person flagging you down on a slip road do not stop but call police when you are able. Anyone in real difficulty would be able to use the emergency telephones on the hard shoulder.

"This is a scam which plays on the vulnerability of lone drivers and is an activity which has been seen nationally. If you have fallen prey to these callous fraudsters please contact Surrey Police with details and help us bring these offenders to justice."

Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference P13043104. Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.