Cheshire police warning following spate of incidents on motorways

Police are urging motorists to be vigilant following a spate of reports of a man pretending to break down on motorways and then trying to sell jewellery to those he flags down for help.

The latest incident occurred on the southbound Junction 21A on the M6 in Warrington on Thursday 3 May. Police were informed at around 11am that a man was trying to flag down motorists on the hard shoulder of the slip road. He had fled when officers arrived.

There have been several other similar incidents on the M6, M62 and M61 reported to police over the past few weeks.

Inspector Mark Jones, of the Roads Policing Unit at Cheshire Police, said: “I ask motorists to be wary of anyone flagging them down under suspicious circumstances.

“If you have any doubt regarding the motives of someone trying to flag you down after seemingly breaking down then do not stop for them.

“I also urge motorists to report any similar incidents or suspicious activity to Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 53067, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency or if there is a crime taking place call 999.

“Ideally we would like people to take note of the number plate of the vehicle concerned but motorists should only do this if it is safe to do so.