POLICE are warning local churchgoers to be on their guard after several people were targeted by a con man. Since the beginning of May, the man has been asking church officials and parishioners in Liss, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight for their help following a family crisis. The man has either approached his victims at church or called at their homes and told them a sob story about a family member, usually his mother, who has died or is critically ill in another part of the country. He then asks if he can borrow money for the train or ferry so he can visit the person or identify their body. In one instance he even asked for someone's bank details. The man is known to have targeted members of the congregation at St Mary's Church, Liss. He man is described as: white, aged 35 to 40, of slim build and smart casual appearance. He has light- coloured, short, wavy hair and a pale complexion. He often gives the name of James Sergeant Caroline Lambert from Hilsea neighbourhood policing team said: "Sadly this series of incidents shows just how low some people will go to steal. This man has taken advantage of people's good nature on at least 16 occasions around the two counties and in some cases he has received up to £100 from people who have taken pity on him." Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 04545 45 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
