Police are appealing for information about a man who took money from Trinity Church in Ringwood.
At 11.45am on Monday, August 10, the man walked into the church on Christchurch Road and went into the office.
An event was taking place at the church and there were many people walking around.
A man and woman were working in the office. The visitor approached the man and began talking to him as if he knew him, though the man did not recognise him.
The visiting man explained that he needed money to travel to Leeds because his mother had passed away.
The man in the office gave the visitor £40.
The man who asked for the money is described as:
- White
- Between 27 and 30 years old
- Around 5ft 9ins tall
- Slim build
- Dark hair which was short
- Thin face, with skin that was not smooth and he had some stubble
- Wearing a pair of narrow oblong glasses with dark rims, and lenses that were darker at the top and lighter at the bottom
Police investigating this incident do not believe the request for money was a genuine one and are warning other local organisations, particularly churches or charities, to remain vigilant, as well as appealing for information or for anyone who recognises the man in the efit to contact them.
Can you help?
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Safer Neighbourhoods team at Ringwood police station on 0845 045 45 45 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000.
