A MAN has been arrested after an elderly woman was subject to courier fraud at her Winchester home.

Police arrested a 32-year-old male, from London, and detained him earlier today following an incident at a property in Kennel Lane, Littleton.

A woman in her 70s received a telephone call at her home at approximately 4pm on March 25. She was advised that the caller was a police officer and as part of an investigation she was to withdraw a significant quantity of cash from her account. This cash would be collected by a courier as evidence.

The cash was withdrawn and handed over. When she was asked to withdraw a further amount of money the bank became suspicious and contacted police.

Detective Constable Alex Hall, of the Northern Investigation Team, said: “I am appealing for anyone who may have seen a man acting suspiciously or who might have seen a vehicle being driven around in a suspicious manner in or around the Littleton area.

“This type of fraud against vulnerable people is cruel and swift. The key message is never to give your card to anyone, never give your PIN to anyone, and never agree to visit your bank to take out cash if someone calls you to tell you there is a problem with your bank account.

“If you are telephoned, hang up, wait five minutes and call Police on 101 or your bank on the telephone number provided on your card, not a number you have been given over the telephone. Ensure there is a dial tone on your phone first before you call, or better still, call from a friend's house or mobile. This is because the telephone line sometimes remains open as the person who called you does not hang up, and you are still connected to the person trying to trick you.

“Your local police officer or PCSO can talk to you about this, or visit Action Fraud website or call them for more information about staying as safe as possible. Please share this message with older or vulnerable family and friends.”