A SCAM in which motorists in Basingstoke and north Hampshire have been offered gold is being investigated by police.

Hampshire Constabulary has issued advice after three similar incidents were reported in the space of eight days this month.

The first took place at the Morrisons supermarket in Worting Road, Basingstoke, on Tuesday, September 8.

A group of people approached a man and asked him to take them to collect fuel, in return for gold.

On the same day there was a report of a suspected distraction theft from a vehicle at the Sainsbury's supermarket in Tadley.

On Wednesday, September 16, a man in the Festival Place car park was seen flagging down motorists, claiming to have run out of petrol and offered gold in return for money.

A police statement read: "Officers believe all these incidents are scams and are investigating whether they are linked in any way.

"Previous scams that have been investigated have seen highly polished copper made to look like gold, which has then been offered in return for cash.

"Scams like this can often be connected to organised crime gangs and can target vulnerable motorists in specific areas."

Police advice includes calling the police immediately if someone is spotted acting suspiciously by the roadside, and taking their registration number, and to not be afraid to refuse someone's request for help if you think they aren't being genuine.

Anyone with information on the scams are asked to call police on 101, quoting 44150311783.