Fraud suspect held over cash claims at churches
A suspected fraudster, regarded as one of the region's most wanted criminals, has been arrested after he allegedly struck again in Staffordshire.
Detectives in the West Midlands were trying to trace Mark Proctor, who is believed to have used elaborate stories to persuade churches in Penkridge, Wombourne and Wolverhampton to get money.
After a region-wide appeal they arrested him yesterday in the Trent Vale area of Stoke-on-Trent on suspicion of fraud. He was being questioned today.
Officers all over the country were looking for 47-year-old Proctor in connection with more than 40 frauds.
In all of the crimes, a man has approached churches claiming that a relative has died in Jersey or the Isle of Wight.
He has then asked for a donation to bring back his relative's body. He is known to have obtained up to £30 or £40 on occasions.
He is said to have approached St Michael's Church in Church Road, Penkridge, and asked for money and the United Reformed Church, in High Street, Wombourne. It is alleged that he also visited Darlington Street Methodist Church in Wolverhampton city centre.
Anyone who has information should call police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
