News
Can you help Thames Valley Police locate a bogus letting agent?
On 25 August, Thames Valley Police issued a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak in connection with an investigation in which a number of people fell victim to a suspected bogus letting agent in South Bucks, Slough and neighbouring areas, losing thousands of pounds.
Image of person the police would like to speak to as part of their investigation. Do you recognise them?
During March and April this year, fourteen people contacted police after they were scammed by a man who said he worked as an agent for ‘Red Bricks Estate’.
The victims initially made contact with the man after seeing an advertisement on-line in relation to renting a flat in London Road, Slough.
The victims met with the man at an address in Burnham, where they paid deposits, admin fees and first month’s rent. Some were shown around the property in Slough and all were promised a date for moving in towards the beginning of April.
However, it soon became apparent to the victims that they had been scammed as they arrived to the flat but were unable to move in.
Case Investigator Kevin Clingham who is leading on the investigation from Local CID, Taplow, said:
“This scam has had a devastating impact on so many people and their families as they were promised a rental property in Slough which never materialised. Instead, they lost thousands of pounds by making upfront payments to a man they trusted to be an estate agent. The total reported loss is estimated to be £24,600.
“I would urge anyone who recognises this man or for the man himself to contact police as he may have vital information in relation to our investigation.
“It is possible that there are other victims of this scam who have not yet come forward and reported the matter to police. I believe some maybe living in areas of London, not just Thames Valley, so I would urge for these people to come forward.
“As part of our on-going investigation, we continue to liaise with action fraud and other agencies.
“I would like to reassure residents and victims that we are doing all we can to progress our investigation.“
If you are a victim of this scam and have not yet contacted police, or have any information which could assist police, then please do so by calling 101 and ask for Thames Valley Police, quoting 43160096940.
