POLICE are urging people to be vigilant following reports of a ‘jockey scam’ which is believed to have operated in Wiltshire.

Earlier this week, a warning was issued across Test Valley, Hampshire, after a 71-year-old man was duped out of £30 by a man who claimed to be a jockey and needed money for petrol for his car so he could get to Newmarket.

Following this, on Wednesday at around 11am, an almost identical incident was reported after a man came to the door of an address in Upper Shute, Ludgershall and told the occupant he was a jockey called Steve Ford. He said his vehicle had broken down around the corner and he was trying to get to Newmarket.

This immediately caused concerns for the occupant of the house as the man was going in the wrong direction.

The man then said he had no money, no cards and no way of getting petrol. Although he claimed to have no way of fixing his vehicle, he didn’t actually ask for money and no money was handed to him.

When he was asked to leave, he got in his vehicle and drove off. The vehicle appeared to be all in order.

The man is described as white, approximately 5 ft 2 inches tall, slim, with a narrow face and short dark hair. He was wearing jeans and a short sleeved top. It is believed he was driving a navy blue, small hatchback vehicle.

Inspector Christian Lange said: "There have been a number of similar incidents reported to us in recent months, with motorists claiming to have broken down, flagging down other motorists etc.

"It is important members of the public are aware of this scam and remain vigilant at all times."

Anyone with any information should call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if preferred.