Police have appealed for witnesses who have come across a man claiming to be from the electricity board.

The scruffy suspect conman has knocked at addresses in Benfleet and his presence has prompted calls of concern to police.

The latest incident happened at 8.40am last Thursday when the man called on a woman in Lower Church Road.

Crime reduction officer Jason Sculthorpe said: "He told the woman he was from the electricity board and had what appeared to be an ID card around his neck.

"The woman became immediately suspicious as an appropriately dressed official from her electrical company had been around to her home the day before.

"The man did not get in her home as she turned him away."

The bogus caller - scruffy, unshaven, with dark hair, wearing grey clothes and three quarter length trousers - drove off in a white van.

Anyone who comes in contact with this man is asked to call police on 01268 756221.

Published Monday, June 30, 2003

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