Bogus caller takes five-figure sum of money

Police are urging residents to be vigilant after a man claiming to be a police officer stole a five-figure sum of money and a credit card from an elderly man in Chigwell.

The incident, which happened on Monday, August 16, is one of two similar incidents currently being investigated by police.

In Waltham Abbey on Thursday, August 19 a man claiming to be a police officer was given pin details but no money was taken.

Sgt Graham Shaw said: “We have had incidents where someone has called an elderly resident claming to be from the police telling them that their bank account is being used fraudulently.

“A genuine police officer or local authority worker will never call asking for you to take money out of your account and they will never ask for your pin number.

“If anyone calls you asking for your bank details claiming to be from the police do not give them any details and call Essex Police on 0300 333 4444.”