Police are appealing for information after a deception theft in Portsmouth.
The victim, a 54-year-old local man, was walking along Kirby Road, when he was stopped by a woman passenger in a car who said: “I need money for diesel” before trying to sell him two gold signet rings.
The man walked away but the woman, described as Eastern European got out of the car with a boy and then attempted to sell gold chains from a bag.
She placed one of the chains around the victim’s neck, distracting him as she removed his own £200 gold belcher chain.
The victim again refused to buy but only noticed his own chain was missing after the woman and boy had got back into the car and were driven away by a man towards London Road.
The incident happened at about 6.15pm on Saturday (23 Oct).
The woman is described as about 5ft 4”, aged 38 to 40 years and of medium build. She had olive skin, dark brown shoulder length hair and had a round face with acne scars on her cheeks.
The boy is described as approx 12 to 14 years old, of chubby build and approx 4ft '5'' tall. He also had an olive complexion and appeared to be of Eastern European origin. He had short cropped medium brown hair.
The driver of the vehicle, who remained in the car thoroughout the incident, is described as aged between 38 and 40 years, of stocky build with short dark hair and an olive complexion. He too appeared to be of Eastern European origin.
The car was a dark blue four-door left-hand drive saloon car with German number plates.
PC Nicola Wise of Cosham police station, said: “If you have any information about this, no matter how inconsequential you may think it to be, please get in touch.
"Equally, if you are approached in the street by any person trying to sell jewellery, walk away or alert other people around you and call the police straight away.
"Do not allow them to put any jewellery on you.”
Anyone who may have any information regarding the incident is asked to contact PC Wise on 101.
Alternatively call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.
Callers from outside Hampshire can use 0845 045 45 45.
