Greater Manchester Police are appealing for information after a man handed over cash on the promise of buying discount laptops and received... a rucksack full of potatoes.
The 24-year-old victim was approached by two men outside a Bury retail park earlier this month, who asked him whether he wanted to buy a laptop for £150.
He was shown one and agreed, withdrawing the money from an ATM and handing it over. He was then given a bag containing his purchase and the men left in a green Vauxhall car.
Upon opening the bag he discovered it was full of potatoes. The incident is reminiscent of a wave of root vegetable-related crimes that have swept Britain in recent years.
The men are described as white, in their late 30s and of stocky or large build. Both spoke with Eastern European accents and one had an acne-scarred face and stubble.
The same men are believed to be behind a similar scam which saw a 19-year-old victim hand over £660 for an iPhone and laptop before being left with a bag containing bottles of coke.
Detective Constable Michelle Wilkinson from the Economic Crime Desk said: "I would ask anyone who may have fallen victim to these two men to contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report online at actionfraud.org.uk.
"It is likely they are continuing to target people across Greater Manchester and I would urge anyone who is approached by them to not give them money.
"Please be mindful that if you are approached by anyone who are selling electrical goods it is highly likely they have been stolen and by buying the goods, you will also be breaking the law by handling stolen items."
Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Keep those eyes peeled.
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Huffington Post UK | By Sara C Nelson Posted: 16/05/2012 16:08 Updated: 16/05/2012 16:58