A 28-year-old man who appeared last week on our list of the ten most wanted fraudsters in the UK was spotted in Shrewsbury at the weekend. [8 August 2011]

UPDATE: Nicolas Slocombe was arrested on 8 August. Read press release on his arrest

There have been several reported sightings of Nicholas Slocombe since he was included on the Most Wanted list last week.

The most recent was in Newent Close, Shrewsbury at around 7.20am on Saturday.  Officers attended an address but Slocombe had already left.

Conning shops and businesses

He is believed responsible for conning shops and businesses in Shropshire and Herefordshire out of money by posing as a charity worker.

Slocombe was arrested in April on suspicion of committing more than 30 offences across the two counties of fraud by making false representation.  He failed to answer his bail in May and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

"The time has come to give yourself up"

Michael Laurie, Crimestoppers' Chief Executive, said: “This information is very promising and I would send a message out to Mr Slocombe that the time has come to give yourself up.

“I would like to re-enforce the message that no matter where individuals such as Mr Slocombe run to, law enforcement will find them.

“I would urge the public to look again at the fraud most wanted appeals to see if they recognise any of the wanted individuals and if you have any information contact us anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via our anonymous online information giving form.”

Appeal for information

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, the head of Shropshire CID, said today: “I am confident Slocombe will be traced and arrested – it is only a matter of time.”