The warning following a series of incidents where people in the county have been approached. In several cases, items of genuine jewellery have been stolen from those approached.

Detective Inspector Sarah Wagstaff said today: “There were three incidents on Friday and another on Saturday which we believe are probably linked.

“In the past, we have received similar reports where ‘gold’ jewellery has been offered for sale at very low prices. Usually, the items are not gold but brass or some other kind of metal.

“But in these recent cases, there appears to be an element of distraction where the strangers attempt to persuade people to part with items. They may initially offer ‘gold’ items but this appears to be a ruse to get people to part with their own jewellery.

“We would always advise people not to handover any money in these circumstances and to report the matter to the police on 0300-333-3000. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is, so don’t be tempted.”

In one of the recent incidents, a man was approached in Whitchurch by several people he thought were of Eastern European origin. Although no crime was established, “gold” jewellery was offered. The suspects were driving a T-reg blue Mercedes.

Police are also investigating an incident on Whitchurch Road, Shrewsbury where a man was approached and offered “gold” and then had a neck chain stolen. The offenders were using a sky-blue Mercedes.

And again on Friday, a similar incident happened in Bridgnorth where a member of the public was approached and offered “gold”. A blue Mercedes was also seen on this occasion.

On Saturday, a man was approached at a car boot sale in Ackleton, near Bridgnorth and an attempt made to his neck chain. A ring and watch were also stolen.

DI Wagstaff said the people involved may be from outside Shropshire. “With four similar incidents in two days, it’s possible they may continue to target members of the public in the county so I am urging people to be on their guard, not to get involved and to contact the police should they be approached.”