POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an elderly couple were scammed and robbed in Swanage.

People are also reminded to be vigilant after a series of phone scams across Dorset.

At around 10pm, on Monday, March 30 the couple received a phone call from a fraudster pretending to be a police officer, who them their account had been subject to fraudulent activity and instructed them to call their bank.

When they did this the offender held the line open and the man who answered said their bank cards needed to be collected by a member of the National Fraud Department Rapid Response Team.

A man, described as black, around 30-years-old, with short dark hair and wearing heavy set glasses, dark trousers and a dark leather jacket arrived at the couple’s home in the Queens Road area.

The man left with a substantial amount of cash and bank cards.

The victims received a further phone call stating the police needed to photograph their jewellery and it couldn’t wait until morning.

The same courier returned to collect the items, many of which had sentimental and financial value, including a watch belonging to their late son which were not returned.

Detective constable James Batty, of Weymouth CID, said: “This was a particularly ruthless offence in which the victims suffered great financial and sentimental loss.

“I would like to hear from any members of the public who may have seen a man, matching the description above, acting suspiciously in this area between 11pm on Monday, March 30 and 1.30am on Tuesday, March 31.

“As in previous similar cases, the offenders are highly convincing and often change their tactics to get people to hand over large sums of money, bank cards and valuable items.

“I would like to urge the public, if they haven’t done so already, to read through our advisory guidelines and ensure that elderly and vulnerable family and friends are aware.”  

Police are advising people never to reveal their bank details to anyone and if they receive an unexpected call claiming to be from the bank do not give out any details and wait two minutes after hanging up before ringing your bank to make sure the line is clear or use a different telephone.

People also shouldn’t give bank cards or any valuable items to strangers or allow unexpected callers in to their homes.

Anyone with information about such scams should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 31:87 or call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.