A scammer posing as a traffic warden climbed into a woman's car in Hemel Hempstead and demanded she hand over her bank card.

The victim was parked on Hillfield Road, close to the hospital, when a man in a hi-vis vest got into her car and told her he was a traffic warden.

He "physically intimidated" the woman, claiming she would be fined if she did not hand over her bank card.

He then left the car with the card, and later that day the victim was contacted by her bank who informed her that an attempted to withdrawal £4,000 had been stopped.

The man has described as in his 40s, black and of medium build, around 6ft and clean shaven.

Police are warning drivers of the scam are appealing for help to identify the perpetrator. 

Fraud triage manager Julian Griffiths, from the serious fraud and cyber unit, said: “This incident must have been distressing for the victim, who not only had their card taken but must have felt physically intimidated by the man climbing into the car.

“There doesn’t appear to have been any other similar incidents reported in the county to date, but I would advise drivers to be cautious and lock their vehicles if they are parked up.

"No official or company representative should ever ask you to hand over cash or bank cards at the roadside. If you are asked to do so, ask them to send a penalty notice through the post and do not provide them with any personal information. If they remain insistent, call Police on 101.”

Police ask that information about the man be reported to them online at https://herts.police.uk/report or https://herts.police.uk/contact, quoting crime reference number 41/85665/24.

You can also report information anonymously by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org./