A shop owner in Hove has warned other local businesses after a man allegedly walked into her store, pretended to know her, and convinced staff to hand over cash for goods that never arrived.
The incident happened at about 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, at Harriet’s of Hove on George Street, according to Brighton and Hove News.
Sussex Police said a man entered the shop and approached staff with a story that he was delivering pre-ordered goods that were to be paid for on arrival.
Police said he then pretended to speak with the shop manager by phone to gain the staff’s trust before receiving money and fleeing.
The Fake Phone Call Made The Story Sound Familiar
Harriet Dean-Orange, 39, who owns Harriet’s of Hove, said on social media that the man came out of a white van, entered the shop, and pretended to be speaking to her on the phone.
She said he made it sound as if he had arranged for her staff to buy something from him — shelving — then took cash from staff members and left without bringing in the goods.
“Please share this message and make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else locally,” Dean-Orange wrote, according to Brighton and Hove News.
A witness said the man used familiar-sounding phrases while pretending to be on the phone, including a comment that he would “drop the receipt round later.” The witness said he also rushed the staff member by saying he had other deliveries to make.
Police Want To Identify The Man In The Images
Sussex Police said officers are working to identify the man shown in security camera images because he may be able to assist with the ongoing inquiry.
Dean-Orange described him as a white man in his fifties, about 6 feet tall, of medium build, wearing grey clothing, with dark greying hair, a slight Cockney accent, and a gruff voice.
Anyone who recognizes the man, witnessed anything suspicious, or has information that could help identify him is asked to contact Sussex Police online or call 101, quoting reference 589 of 20/06.
The case is a warning for small shops: staff should confirm unexpected deliveries, fixtures, stock, or repair payments directly with the owner or manager before handing over cash, even if the person sounds familiar or claims the deal has already been approved.