22/1/2010Thieves use scam to target Stevenston car owners
Vehicle owners are urged to be on their guard after thieves posing as North Ayrshire Council staff targeted motorists.
Scam artists have been posing as workers from the Three Towns Motor Project in Ardrossan, trying to persuade owners to hand over their vehicles.
The project, which is run by Community Learning and Development staff, relies on old cars donated by the public to teach motor qualifications and road safety skills to young people.
But in the last two months, persons claiming to be from the project have approached numerous people in the Three Towns area. They claim that through the project, youngsters will repair their vehicles for free and give them back.
It is only when the owners arrive at the workshop to enquire about the return of their vehicles a few days later that they realise it is a scam.
Two people have handed over their cars and police investigating have since found they have been sold to scrap yards.
Any member of the public who decides to donate a vehicle is asked to phone the project on 01294 462659. Staff will arrange collection of the vehicle and on arrival, show their council ID cards.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police.
Scam artists have been posing as workers from the Three Towns Motor Project in Ardrossan, trying to persuade owners to hand over their vehicles.
The project, which is run by Community Learning and Development staff, relies on old cars donated by the public to teach motor qualifications and road safety skills to young people.
But in the last two months, persons claiming to be from the project have approached numerous people in the Three Towns area. They claim that through the project, youngsters will repair their vehicles for free and give them back.
It is only when the owners arrive at the workshop to enquire about the return of their vehicles a few days later that they realise it is a scam.
Two people have handed over their cars and police investigating have since found they have been sold to scrap yards.
Any member of the public who decides to donate a vehicle is asked to phone the project on 01294 462659. Staff will arrange collection of the vehicle and on arrival, show their council ID cards.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police.