Scammer cons disabled man

6:58am Friday 29th August 2008

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Matthew Winters has cerebral palsy, is confined to a wheelchair and lives alone.

But that did not stop a conman walking into his home, befriending him and taking his bank card.

Mr Winters, 25, has created this e-fit which he hopes will help catch the burglar. He said: "I hope this man gets what is coming to him, to be honest."

Mr Winters was at home in sheltered accommodation in Oxford city centre, when a man knocked on the door and called through the letter box claiming he had come to visit his 'Uncle Stevie', and persuaded Mr Winters to let him in as it was raining.

After befriending Mr Winters and earning his trust by saying his uncle was also disabled, the man offered to sell him some comedy DVDs. He then pretended to order them over the telephone.

Mr Winters handed over his bank card and Pin code in order for the man to go and pay for the films.

But he never returned and was later caught on CCTV at Oxford railway station withdrawing £200 in cash - half of Mr Winter's monthly benefits.

Police said they were desperate to catch the man, who called himself Thomas Foster, before any more vulnerable people fell victim.

Mr Winters said: "About 15 or 30 minutes after he went I started to suspect something was up. But he made me think he was coming back.

"I thought he was believable. He knew what to say in regards to disabled people and I cannot believe he would do this to a disabled person like myself.

"He took advantage of me, but the one thing I have in my favour is I've got the memory to remember exactly what he said, what he was wearing and what happened.

"He's not a nice man. I hope my e-fit works."

The theft happened sometime between 4.15pm and 5pm on July 7. Since then, as well as compiling the e-fit, police have been trawling through CCTV footage.

City centre Pc Paul Phillips said: "This is probably one of the worst types of crime you can deal with.

"This man has clearly taken advantage of a vulnerable person after befriending him.

"We would all like to catch up with this individual and are appealing for everyone to have a good look at the e-fit.

"It is very sad in society when someone like this offender has taken advantage of a nice guy like Matthew. He doesn't deserve to be treated by anyone in this way."

The conman was described as white, aged between 30 and 40, with balding or thinning fair cropped hair.

Anyone with information should call Pc Phillips on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.