A GANG are pouring oil in car radiators in a bid to drive down the price of online sellers, police have warned.

Wiltshire Police are investigating a spate of criminal damage allegations. 

The force says that gangs are targeting high-powered vehicles sold through online marketplace Gumtree.

They have appealed for any information that could bring down a group of men they believe could be responsible for up to three incidents in Moredon and Upper Stratton. 

Officers say that the gang poured oil into the coolant of a BMW 330 - advertised for sale on Gumtree last November by a man in his 20s.

The seller, of The Gardens, Moredon, had agreed a price with another man online. 

When the buyer arrived at 1am on November 25 - later than had been agreed with the seller - he was accompanied by five friends.

This group distracted the seller when he was showing off his car. The buyer then complained that there was a fault with the car - saying that he wanted £2,200 knocked off the asking price.

Investigators believe that the gang poured oil in the coolant while the seller was distracted.

It follows two similar incidents in Calliope Crescent, Upper Stratton. 

Dee Williams, crime investigator with Wiltshire Police, warned: “This is a nationwide scam whereby a group of males attend the addresses of those people selling often high powered vehicles on Gumtree.

"While the seller is distracted, the group cause damage to the vehicle and then agree a price much lower than originally agreed after claiming the vehicle is damaged.

"In this particular incident, the seller felt intimidated by the group and agreed the lower price, before realising that the damage to the vehicle had in fact been caused by the group. 

“I’d like to hear from anyone who may have seen this group in the area at the time, as well as anyone who has attempted to sell their vehicle through Gumtree and has had a similar experience.

"It’s important incidents of this nature are reported to police so we can build up a clearer picture of the criminal activity taking place.” 

To report information, call Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.