Beware - conman alert Post Reply

[schoolgatesmum]

A couple of weeks ago a man came up to me on my street after talking on his mobile phone and very apologetically said that he'd locked his keys in his van and was very embarrassed but wanted some money to get a taxi as he had to get home quickly. I was immediately suspicious and said that I didn't have any money on me. I felt a bit guilty as I thought maybe he was genuine. Anyway tonight, the same man came up to me again on his mobile phone and started to give me the same story. I recognised him straight away and told him that he'd already asked me the same thing a couple of weeks ago. Quick as a flash he changed his story and said that he was trying to find Gayville Road and was it near here (it's not - I'm near Lavender Hill). I bet he tries a few more roads in the area!

[nooze2010]

Was this guy short, bald mid40s poss 50? The same thing happened to me ...I got out of my car at 1030pm and he walked over with the same story. A few weeks later the same thing happened, same guy. This was around the Abbeville village area...

[Jen66]

he works the Hyde Farm area too.

[frenchmumnorthcote]

I also saw the same guy about a month ago near Salcott Rd/Webbs Rd, got suspicious too after reading similar stories here (thanks NVN!!) and also said I did not have any cash on me.

[dancingqueen]

Same thing happened to me about 2 months ago - same description of the man as well - he approached me as I was getting my toddler out of the car - he had the same story and was "talking" on his phone at the same time.

[zozodarling2011]

This happened to me a year ago on Stormont Road and more recently Clapham South. He obviously is still around. Matches the same description. Can't believe he's not been picked up.

[schoolgatesmum]

Definitely the same man - quite short, bald and with quite a large nose. Did anyone report him? I thought I might phone the police non emergency number and let them know.

[Jen66]

I have reported it. Police are aware of him but not sure why he's never picked up

[pinkpeony]

This happened to me on Birchlands Ave about 2 weeks ago. I was walking home from collecting my boys from school when the same man (short, bald, big nose) was talking on his mobile. He stopped me and acted really embarrassed but said that he had locked his keys in his car on Gayville Rd and needed money. I said that there was no way I was giving him money because I had heard about this 'scam" before and walked off. He muttered something rude under his breath (which my 7 year old heard) and we walked home quickly!

I didn't report it but maybe should have done? I wonder what the connection with Gayville Rd is?

[smithna87]

Hi all,

I just wanted to alert everyone that there has recently been a man doing very similar to the above. Both times I have encountered him he was on Cavendish Road (near Abbeville Road, i.e. towards the clapham common end of Cavendish Road rather than the Balham end). The first time (week before last) I was shocked to be asked for money (some story about being locked out and phone battery dead- he was carrying a Blackberry and a small laptop) and the street was empty and it was around 4pm so i gave him some change and quickly walked off. Today he was there again (5.45pm) and was approaching women, he tried to use his story on me again but I said to him no you've tried this with me before and walked off and went in to my house he then came up to my door (!!!), placed his hands on the glass panel and said through the door "no its the same thing happened again". I shouted "LEAVE MY PROPERTY NOW, GO AWAY" and he walked away. I called 101 and they said they cannot do anything if I can no longer see where he is as it is too busy an area (?!). They did say to call any time I see him as it is all kept on file and will be used if they have other people reporting him too.

Description: Around 5ft 7/8, white but tanned, very blue eyes, short grey curylish hair, cleanshaven. I would place him at around 40 years old. He is reasonably well spoken with no discernible accent. He looks like a normal guy which is why I think people stop and listen to him as he looks presentable and tidy. He was wearing a red zip up windbreaker/sports jacket, jeans and loafers. Last time I saw him he was wearing a grey round neck knitted sweater, jeans and loafers and carrying a phone and laptop. Last time I saw him I realised I could smell alcohol when he spoke.
I just want people to be aware as his behaviour was very unnerving and he is clearly approaching women.

If he does approach you please contact 101 and report him as soon as possible.

I just wanted to make everyone aware.

[jacxnic]

I think i was approached by this man yesterday near the top of Cavendish Road.
Thankfully id seen this post previously but was still quite scary as was close to where we live and i walked around the block so he did not see where we lived.

[SuzanAyaz]

This man has been around Clapham for years and it is always the same story. I've caught him in my porch and front garden. He steals parcels that delivery men leave too. He is an absolute Pest.

[alexjsharley]

Yes - this guy did the rounds around Balham Park Road, 6 months ago and 3 years ago before that. When he came up to me the second time, saying that he had locked himself out of his car, I told him to stop 'robbing people' and said he had told me the same yarn exactly 3 years ago. He said 'What was I going to do about it?'. I responded that I would phone the police. He scarpered.

I phoned 101 but since I hadn't given him money, they didn't seem to want to do anything about it. I posted something on a forum but not sure which one but glad to see this is getting traction.

[alexjsharley]

Yes - this guy did the rounds around Balham Park Road, 6 months ago and 3 years ago before that. When he came up to me the second time, saying that he had locked himself out of his car, I told him to stop 'robbing people' and said he had told me the same yarn exactly 3 years ago. He said 'What was I going to do about it?'. I responded that I would phone the police. He scarpered.

I phoned 111 but since I hadn't given him money, they didn't seem to want to do anything about it. I posted something on a forum but not sure which one but glad to see this is getting traction.

[smithna87]

Spotted him again today at 2.30pm, outside Gigalum opposite Clapham South station. Wearing a pink striped long sleeved shirt, tan belt, jeans. Oddly...his hair looked a little darker, not sure if it had been dyed a bit or if it was just gel. But keep an eye out and let your local friends know to walk away if he approaches.