Police are warning taxi drivers to look out for a conman who has stolen cash from some of their fellow drivers in Devon and Cornwall, including Newton Abbot. Since the beginning of June this year, the professional con man, who poses as a high profile gold or gemstone dealer, has committed a number of deceptions across both counties. The conman hires a taxi driver to take him to a location, normally some miles away. 'During the journey he will talk about his high profile enterprises and on arriving at the location he tells the driver that he'll be one hour,' said a spokesman from Devon and Cornwall Police. 'He normally returns after 10 minutes requesting money for some form of insurance. 'Due to his persona, which is usually smart and charming, the taxi drivers usually have given him the money. He then fails to return to the taxi, owing the fare and having made off with the driver's cash.' So far seven offences have been identified in Newton Abbot, Exeter, Camborne and Sidmouth. The man is described as being in his late 40s, 5ft 8ins with dark greying hair. He has tattoos on both hands and his arms and a scar on the right-hand side of his face. Contact the police on 08452 777 444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting DE/06/7934.
