Arrest over fraud offences in Eyre Peninsula

It will be alleged that on Sunday 9 November, police stopped a white Isuzu station wagon with Victorian registration 2CT2AV on the Eyre Highway at Merghiny.

Police had received information that the vehicle had been involved in fraud offences, with the driver allegedly stopping other motorists claiming he needed cash for fuel, with the man willing to trade gold jewellery in exchange for money.

Police had previously received reports of similar offences occurring in Snowtown, Cowell and Streaky Bay during the past few days.

A 32-year-old Romanian national was arrested for deception and unlawful possession offences relating to an incident in Keith on 10 July.

It is believed he travelled to South Australia from New South Wales.

His vehicle and a large amount of cash was seized by police.

He was refused bail and will appear in the Ceduna Magistrates Court today.

Investigations are ongoing and police encourage anyone who may have been approached by persons claiming they needed cash for petrol, willing to swap jewellery for cash to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

SAPOL are warning the public to exercise caution in relation to 'scam' type offences involving offers of gold jewellery as collateral for cash loans.

A second vehicle, namely a silver Ford Everest station wagon with Victorian registration 2BF4AR, was involved in a scam at Cowell on Saturday 8 November.

The suspects on that occasions were described as a man and woman of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern appearance with the woman being heavily pregnant.

Any sightings of the vehicle or persons matching this description are to be reported via the Police Assistance Line immediately on 131444.

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