Police issue warning after suspicious incident - 17-07-2008

Police are issuing a warning to the public after a suspicious incident.

A woman was contacted on her mobile phone by a man who arranged a meeting with her for the following day.

She met with two men who claimed to be from Zambia and in business mining for precious stones. They told the woman they had high value property in London and had 170 kugerrands to trade.

Another man then arrived at the meeting and showed the woman two rocks, which he told her were rubies and worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The men then asked the woman if she knew anyone who would be interested in buying the rocks and said they would arrange for an expert to visit her and show her the kugerrands. They have never returned.

Detective Inspector Geoff Brooks said: "We want to warn members of the public to protect themselves against this type of crime. These people target our most vulnerable because they are most trusting. Don't be trusting, be suspicious."

"If you are approached by anyone in similar circumstances please get in touch.

Anyone with any information should contact Leicestershire Constabulary on Leicester (0116) 222 2222 or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

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