VIC: Woman arrested over petrol scam

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2010
VIC: Woman arrested over petrol scam

MELBOURNE, April 19 AAP - A woman who begged for petrol money in an ongoing scam where
she claimed she ran out of petrol while driving a critically ill patient to hospital has
been arrested by police.

The 39-year-old Fitzroy woman was apprehended about 2.30pm (AEST) on Friday after security
staff at St Vincent's Hospital in Fitzroy called police about a woman approaching people
for money in the precinct.

Sergeant Duncan Frame said radio reports last week had alerted police to the woman,
who was allegedly asking people for money outside St Vincent's Hospital, the Epworth Hospital
in Richmond, and around Little Bourke and Exhibition streets in central Melbourne.

There were also reports of the woman approaching people at the Victoria Market in Elizabeth
Street.

"If you've got a bit of a story attached to it you're more likely to appeal to people's
emotions," he told AAP.

The woman told police she had participated in the scam for about six months, but police
believe she may have been approaching victims for up to two years.

She was released while police investigate the matter.

In some cases, the woman is alleged to have carried a petrol can while approaching
victims for amounts up to $30.

The woman is described as about 165cm to 175cm, slim to medium build, long brown curly
hair, southern European and well-dressed.

Anyone who believes they may been approached by the woman is urged to call Sgt Frame
at the Melbourne divisional tasking unit on 03 9637 1135.

AAP ees/gfr/maur

KEYWORD: CON

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