Drivers are warned of thieves in money con across Staffordshire

The conmen have struck 14 times in the past few days, preying on drivers who stop to help them thinking their vehicles have broken down.

Members of the gang have been parking in laybys off main commuter roads and pretending that their cars have run into trouble. They then flag passing vehicles down and ask the drivers for money in exchange for jewellery or gold that turns out to be fake.

Crimes have taken place in areas including Lichfield, Blythe Bridge, Leek, Hixon, Brereton and Wolseley Bridge.

Staffordshire Police believe the thieves may also be striking across the wider West Midlands region.

Detective Superintendent Julie Prince said: "The offenders sound plausible and have already persuaded several victims to part with money.

"We would urge people to be vigilant and if they are approached to contact police immediately with as much information as possible about the vehicle or person that approached them."

The offenders are described as being Asian or Eastern European in appearance and one of them has a distinctive scar on his nose.

They have used a variety of cars including a Mercedes, Fiat Punto and Volkswagon estate.

DS Prince said the incidents had happened over a short space of time, including in Lichfield city centre on January 30, then the following day at Muckley Corner where a person gave one of the thieves £30 in cash in return for jewelley that later turned out to be fake.

Another similar crime happened on the A34 Lichfield to Burton road on February 3, and again the following day, three more times at various locations across the county.

"We think it is probably a group, rather than just two individuals as they are in different cars.

"We would ask that people use their common sense and if they do stop to help someone, to never hand over any money," DS Prince added.

Anyone with information should contact Staffordshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.