Street scammers steal necklace

Two foreign nationals placed a fake gold necklace on a woman in a bogus attempt to make a sale in Bangor’s Abbey Street on Tuesday morning.

The victim, who refused to buy the chain, noticed her own necklace had been stolen in the incident. There is an unconfirmed further report of a second victim having a wallet stolen.

Now police are urging people to be wary of street sellers and are appealing for anyone who witnessed Tuesday’s incident to contact them.

A spokeswoman said, “Police in Bangor are investigating reports of an incident in the Abbey street area shortly after 10:30am this morning.

“A lady was approached by two other ladies described as being of foreign nationality. They tried to sell her some jewellery and one placed an imitation gold necklace about her neck. 

“The lady declined the chain and the women moved off.  A short time later the lady released her own real gold necklace was missing.

“Police are advising members of the public to be careful of buying items from anyone selling items on the street and are appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident to contact them on 0845 600 8000.”

Alternatively information can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

North Down DUP Councillor Alex Easton said, “I am deeply shocked to hear that this has happened in a public street at that time of day.

“Residents need to know that this is happening and should be extremely cautious. I would be calling on anyone who has any information to contact police immediately.”