Police appeal for help to trace suspected charity conman

West Mercia Police has been working with Cheshire Constabulary and Staffordshire Police to investigate a series of reports since the beginning of the year of a man claiming he was collecting sponsorship for a run or marathon in aid of a Leukaemia charity.

The claims are believed to be false and in April, police arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of fraud by false representation in connection with more than 30 incidents across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire.

The suspect, Nicholas Slocombe, was interviewed and released on police bail pending further enquiries. He failed to answer that bail in May and since then extensive enquiries to contact and locate him have proved unsuccessful. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

It is not known whether Nicholas Slocombe is still in the local area, as he is believed to travel outside Shropshire and may have left the county since his arrest and be anywhere in the United Kingdom.

Police Constable Steve Perry, who is co-ordinating the police investigation, appealed for the public’s help in finding Mr Slocombe, who is also believed to use the names Owen Roswell and Arron Renfrey.

“Mr Slocombe is wanted on suspicion of a large number of fraud offences across four counties, after failing to answer police bail last month,” he said.

“If anyone knows of his whereabouts or recognises him, please could they contact West Mercia Police immediately on 0300 333 3000.

“I would also urge any shops or other businesses who might be approached by persons asking for sponsorship or charity donations to make thorough checks first to ensure that the person collecting is genuine.

“Ideally, do not hand over any money there and then if you wish to sponsor a person and contact the charity they say they are collecting on behalf of to check their credentials.”