Conman who poses as a policeman

The crook, who wore regular clothes, called at a house in Chyngton Avenue on December 4.

He asked to be let inside and brazenly told the male householder there was a bogus caller conning people in the area. He produced a plastic key fob with the word Police inscribed in black letters.

However, the householder was suspicious and asked to see formal identification. The conman refused and left empty handed.

Officers believe he may strike again.

A police spokesman said: 'Householders should be aware of the tactics this man used to access this address. He is neither a police officer nor a police official. Sussex Police staff do not cold call people to give crime prevention advice.'

People are advised to use a door security chain while checking the ID of a visitor. Genuine police staff carry either a warrant or identification card.

'If you are in any doubt whatsoever about a person's identity, always call the police immediately,' added the spokesman.

The conman was described as white, about 5ft 5in tall, medium build, with short balding hair and a round face. He wore a black leather jacket, green jumper and blue jeans.