Trio arrested outside bank after attempt to defraud pensioner

Feb 15 2010 by Alastair Craig, The Journal

POLICE have questioned three men after bank staff alerted them to a potential attempt to defraud a pensioner.

The frail man was taken from his home in Benwell, Newcastle, to draw out savings to pay a gang of builders on Wednesday but suspicious staff refused to complete the hand-over.

The trusting 78-year-old did what the gang asked and entered Barclays Bank in Westgate Road, in the city’s West End, to make the transaction while they waited outside.

Now police are reminding people to be extra vigilant with the community’s older and more vulnerable residents.

Officers praised the bank for reporting the incident which led to them arresting three men.

Supt Laura Young, of Newcastle Area Command, said: “This swift response by staff at the bank meant we were able to get to the scene quickly and make arrests. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.

“This is an example of how important it is for people to be aware of suspicious activity and ensure it’s reported to police so we can take the appropriate action.