A woman in Teddington has warned of a scam doing the rounds in High Street, where people ask passersby for pennies to buy petrol.
Lucy Harrison, 27, said a man and a woman approached her and asked her for 80p for petrol because their car had broken down, when she walked toward the King’s Head Pub on Monday, October 29.
She said: “It was very bizarre. They asked for 80p – do they not know how much petrol costs? I think it was just something to say so I would get my purse out.”
Miss Harrison said the pair, in their 20s, then followed her down the street after she refused to give them money.
She said: “I crossed the road and then they did too. It was very strange. They didn’t look that appealing. Then they asked some more people when I was standing outside the Teddington Arms.”
She said one of them was carrying a green jerry can, but questioned their motives due to the small amount they were asking for.
She said: “I think they were just trying to validate their story. But it was very strange, I don’t know if they had actually broken down.
“If you’re asking people for 80p for petrol you would have to ask a lot of people to make it worth your while seeing as the nearest petrol station is about two miles away.”
Madeline Thomas, of Richmond Citizens Advice Bureau, said people should never do anything they are uncomfortable with when approached in the street.
She said: “When you see people who are clearly distressed or vulnerable then it is best to alert the community police team.”
The Metropolitan Police urged people in Teddington to report any suspicious behaviour to the nearest station in Teddington, Twickenham or Sovereign Gate in Richmond.
The safer neighbourhoods team can be contacted on 020 8721 2748.
Share