Gangs of highway robbers are targeting vulnerable women on isolated country lanes and demanding handfuls of cash.

Over the past ten days more than ten terrified women have been conned and robbed after they stopped to help motorists who claimed they were injured or stranded.

This week alone, two lone drivers were flagged down as they drove through Malpas and Farndon, and more have been targeted as they stopped at petrol stations and traffic lights across Cheshire.

Now police are warning female motorists to be on their guard when flagged down by people who claim to need help, after gangs stole cash and tried to get into the back of women’s cars.

Mother-of-one Dawn Edwards was left shaken after a man ran out in front of her car as she stopped at the junction at Higher Wych Lane turning on to Old Malpas Road, demanding money from her and trying to get into the back of her vehicle.

The 29-year-old care worker was driving to her workplace on High Street in Malpas at around 2.30pm on Monday when the man put his foot under her wheel and demanded money in exchange for fake jewellery.

Dawn, who lives in Whitchurch and drives down the road every day, watched in horror as the man reached into her car and stole cash from her ashtray.

“At one point a farm vehicle came up behind me and asked if the man needed any help, but he waved him on. That is when I started to panic,” said Dawn, who said she when she refused to give the man £40 he became aggressive.

“It was really frightening. I could see him trying to get in the back of my people carrier, but I locked it when I saw him coming towards me. It is terrifying to think what could have happened if he had managed to get in.”

The thief only stole around £4 before Dawn managed to drive away, but the incident left her so shaken she was sent home from work suffering from shock.  

“They only got a few pounds off me but I have found a different route to work.”

Just two hours later a gang targeted a motorist in Farndon, stepping out in front of the vehicle before taking £25 from the driver after begging him for petrol money.

On Monday, January 28, a female driver was flagged down at the Red Fox traffic lights in Tarporley – but she drove away before any money could be taken.

With reports of gangs targeting female drivers at motorway services, petrol stations, traffic lights and isolated country roads, police are urging  female motorists to be on their guard when flagged down by people who claim to need help.

PC Dave Walton, of Western Rural policing team, said although the gangs had not been violent many of the victims had been left feeling frightened and intimidated.

“They are targeting and stopping lone female drivers on country lanes and demanding cash from them.

“They are using all kinds of excuses from running out of petrol to needing to get to get a taxi to the hospital. I would ask female motorists to be wary of anyone flagging them down and report anything suspicious to the police.”

Anyone who believes they have been a victim or has any information  should contact Cheshire Police on 101 or 999.

More crime stories from the Chester Chronicle.