Stoke pawn shop £1.7k out of pocket in fake gold scam

A pawnbroker has been left £1,700 out of pocket - after falling victim to a fake gold scam. Two customers were given the cash in exchange for a quantity of gold.

But the tricksters had swapped the real gold with a fake alternative and fled Church Street Gold, in Stoke.

Now Staffordshire Police have issued descriptions of the fraudsters. The incident happened at 11am on Thursday, June 20.

A police spokesman said: "We are investigating following reports of fake gold being used in exchange for cash. A man and a woman came into Church Street Gold to exchange gold for cash. In-between the transaction, the suspects swapped the gold for fakes and left the store.

"The man is described as being of a large build with black hair shaved at the side, a black goatee beard, and was wearing a suit. The woman is also of a large build, was wearing a matching suit, had long straight dark hair that was tied back, and white trainers that had a red heel."

Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with any information should call the police on 101, quoting incident number 396 of 20 June, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you - it’s FREE