Appeal for information after vehicles damaged in Crawley and Hassocks

Police are appealing for information following reports of damage caused to vehicles advertised for sale.

On Monday 7 March at around 1pm, a man from Hassocks contacted police after being visited by three men claiming to be potential buyers for his vehicle. The victim reported seeing one of the group pour oil over the engine, resulting in the vehicle appearing to be faulty during a test drive.

Around an hour later, a similar report was made by a vehicle owner in Crawley. It’s thought while the victim was distracted by one of the group, the others then damaged the vehicle to try and lower the price of the sale.

Enquiries are ongoing and investigating officers are keen to speak to anyone with information, including any other potential victims. Those with information are urged to contact police online or via 101, quoting serial 631 of 07/03 (Hassocks) or serial 1031 of 07/03 (Crawley).