Businesses in the Maldon district are being warned about thieves who claim to be from TV film companies in order to steal goods.

Police said the thieves have struck across the county.

Companies receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from TV stations, such as the BBC or Channel 4, saying they are filming in the area and then give a list of all the items they need, such as mobile phones, TVs and champagne.

Credit card details, which have proved to be stolen or cloned, are given and a taxi picks up the goods.

One company in Great Totham was swindled out of a £2,000 quad bike after a person claiming to be from Vera Productions - a company used by the BBC for comedy programmes - said they were filming in the area and urgently needed a quad bike

The machine was picked up by a Braintree freight firm and delivered to a lock-up garage in the same area.

A spokesman for the police said: "The person gave a mobile phone number and said that they were with Vera Productions.

"The owner of the garage was on holiday at the time."

He added: "Sellers beware. Be careful if you are given a story that it is for some media company and it is urgent. Just think on."

Published Thursday, July 31, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo