POLICE are warning people to be careful when making cash transactions with unknown individuals following an incident in Ipswich.

The incident happened on Sunday, April 14 between 11.30am and noon in Cox Lane.

A group of five male victims approached two men in a silver Vauxhall Sedan in a car park.

They had met previously during the same morning, at a nearby car boot sale, and the two men had offered two laptops and six mobile phones for sale.

The items were viewed by the victims and an amount of cash was handed over.

All of the men walked together up the street and stopped outside a shop, where a black bag believed to contain the laptops and mobile phones, was handed over to the victims. The group of men and the two offenders then left the area separately.

Upon opening the bag, the victims found it contained bottles of water and none of the items believed to be purchased.

A victim called one of the offenders on his mobile phone, believed to be called ‘Maverick’, who explained that there had been a mix up with the bag and would return.

He did not return and the incident was reported to police.

The offender, believed to be called ‘Maverick’ is described as a white man, 30 to 35-years-old, of a medium build, about 6ft with a full golden-coloured beard.

He spoke with an “Eastern European accent” and was wearing a light blue jacket and a grey woollen hat.

The second offender is described as a white man, about 35-years-old, of a slightly larger build, about 6ft 2ins. He also spoke with an “Eastern European accent” and was wearing a chequered blue sleeveless jacket and grey fleeced hat.

Both men were wearing Bluetooth ear pieces.

Police would advise people to be very careful when carrying out transactions such as this and not to hand over any cash unless they are sure of what they are receiving.

Anyone with information should contact Pc Butler from Ipswich on 101 quoting IC/13/1549 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.