Sussex Police appeal after man scams public while they use parking meter

An initial appeal was released by police last month after a woman was scammed by a man in Blatchington Road, Hove, on May 9.

The man told her she was going to receive a parking fine after an attendant had taken a photograph of her car, before assisting her in using the parking meter.

He told the woman the machine had taken her card and she would have to wait for it to be given back to her – all while he was collecting data on a mobile phone.

Her card was later used to withdraw £500 from a cashpoint machine at a Post Office in Blatchington Road.

Since that incident, more people have fallen victim with hundreds, sometimes thousands, being taken from their bank accounts, police said.

Police appeal for information to identify man accused of scamming people while they use parking meter

The scams follow a similar pattern where the suspect approaches a person where they need to pay for parking and tells them that an enforcement officer has taken a photo of their vehicle and they will need to get a new ticket.

Each time, the suspect escorts them to a pay machine and through distraction tactics, steals their bank card.

The suspect tells them that the pay machine has retained their card and that they will need to wait up to 30 minutes before it’s returned.

Shortly after, the suspect uses the bank cards to purchase items.

The most recent victim was targeted at Queen Victoria Hospital car park in East Grinstead.

Police investigating the scam believe the man pictured could help with their enquiries.

He is aged between 20 and 30, of middle eastern appearance, around 5ft 4in and of slight build, with short black hair and wearing large, black-rimmed glasses.

Anyone with information which could help officers with their investigation is asked to contact police online or call 101 quoting serial number 1293 of 09/05.