Suspicious man targeting churches

It is possibly the same man who is linked to other similar offences currently being investigated by Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and West Midlands Police.

In Luton, a man approached a church warden during a Remembrance Sunday service in St Matthews Church in Wenlock Street.

The offender entered the church and asked to speak with the vicar, explaining his mother had died and he needed money to return her body from Guernsey.

The warden became suspicious and told the man to call at the vicarage at a more convenient time, and the man became agitated and left the church empty-handed.

He is described as a white man in his 50s with a medium build and short brown hair with a slight curl. He was well-dressed and wearing a grey overcoat.

Det Con Michelle Webb said: “If this is the same person he is clearly travelling from town to town and may be staying in budget accommodation. This man is very confident and clearly carries out research before targeting his victims. I urge anyone who has been approached by this man to report this to the police.”

If you have information relating to this incident you can contact DC Webb, in confidence, on 01582 394026, Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text your message to 07786 200011.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.