Motorists are targeted in jewellery con

FRAUDSTERS who con victims out of their cash by offering them fake jewellery as a "guarantee" are operating again in the Lothians.

Police today warned the public to be on their guard against the "ongoing scam" following a pair of fresh incidents in Midlothian.

The conmen flag down motorists and ask for money, using poor quality jewellery as a sign of goodwill.

A previous rash of incidents in March saw the suspects pretend they were out of petrol or had lost their wallet to secure the loan from passing drivers.

The latest incident took place on Monday at around 11:15am on the city bypass at the Straiton slip road, while another scam bid was reported to police at around 12:15pm on Lasswade Road in Loanhead last Thursday.

In both incidents, the men were described only as being Asian.

A police spokesman said: "At this time, we are unclear as to whether this apparent scam was successful."