Police warn of fraud along the M4 corridor
Wiltshire Police are investigating reports from Good Samaritans who have stopped to help a man posing as a stranded motorist.
The man is said to carry a green fuel can and stands on various slip roads between junction 19 of the M4 (M32 junction) and junction 15 (A419 Swindon turn off).
He claims that his vehicle has run out of fuel and asks motorists for a lift to the nearest service station, primarily Leigh Delemere or Membury.
En route he claims to take a call from the Highways Agency or police who require his car to be moved at a cost of around £800 and the kind motorists have then offered to help out towards the cost.
However, once the man has been dropped at the services they never hear from him again and police believe the offender has amassed hundreds of pounds from victims.
A 44 year old man from Bristol was arrested in connection with these incidents and has been released on police bail.
Officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have been targeted in similar circumstances or who has any information about these incidents.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Chris Feerick at the Local Crime Team (LCT) in Melksham on 101.
Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org