Pensioner persuaded to hand over £6,000 to man he met in Sainsbury’s car park

A pensioner was persuaded to hand over £6,000 to a man he met in a Sainsbury’s car park.

Police received a report on 14 January 2025 that a man in his 80s from Southampton was called by a man purporting to be a police officer.

It’s alleged that the victim was persuaded to withdraw £6,000 in cash before handing this over to a man he met in Sainsbury’s car park in Shirley that afternoon.

Following a number of enquiries, 34-year-old Aleksandr Berezanski, of Mountbatten Avenue in Romsey, has been issued a summons to appear at Southampton Magistrates Court on 11 August to face charges of concealing, disguising, converting, transferring or removing criminal property; and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.

For information about courier fraud and how to report it go to: www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/personal-fraud/door-to-door-courier-fraud/