A SPATE of fraudulent activity in Wokingham has resulted in jewellery and money being stolen from elderly victims.

Thames Valley Police released a series of CCTV images following the incidents, which are believed to be linked.

Between January 18 and 25, a man claiming to be a police officer with a bogus name contacted a number of elderly people by phone.

The person, posing as detective constable Tony Moore, instructed them to put the valuable items and PIN numbers into an envelope, which were later collected by a courier.

The first incident took place on January 18 at around 6pm on Acorn drive.

The second on January 24, sometime between 5pm and 8.30pm on De Vitre Green.

Two further frauds were carried out on January 25 on Reading Road and Bell House Gardens.

The offender asked the victims to call 999 for verification, but the offender did not hang up, meaning the telephone line was left open.

When the victim called they spoke to a woman, another offender, who verified the false officer name and shoulder number.

After handing over the items, the victims were told detective constable Emma Pimms, another false name, would be in contact with them.

The bank cards were later used to fraudulently purchase goods in the Reading area.

No arrests have been made, but police would like to speak with the man shown in the CCTV images.

Case investigator, Tina Neale from the Investigation Hub at Loddon Valley police station, said: “I am keen to speak to the man in these CCTV images, as he may have information which is vital to our investigation.

“I would also encourage anyone with elderly or vulnerable family and friends to make them aware of this type of fraud.

“The police will never arrange for a courier to collect items from you. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a police officer and asking you to send valuable items in this way, you should hang up immediately and contact Thames Valley Police on 101.

“When making this call it is important to use a different phone to the one that you have been contacted on. If no other phone is available, you should wait at least five minutes to ensure the phone line has cleared before making the phone call.

“If you recognise this man, or have any information in relation to these incidents, please report the details on the Thames Valley Police website quoting reference 4319002555.

"Alternatively, you can call the non-emergency telephone number, 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”