BANK accounts and mobile phones belonging to three Ilkley businessmen were targeted in a scam, said police.

The first incident was reported on October 28, when a one of the businessman noticed that new standing orders had been set up to come out of his bank account. He also later realised his mobile phone had been disconnected.

Then, on November 5, a businessman from Addingham contacted police after he became aware that learning new bank cards and PIN numbers had been requested for his account.

The following day, a postman was approached in Ilkley by a black man in a coat, who asked him if he could have some of the mail. The man showed the postman some identification and three letters were handed over. The victim later found his mobile phone had been disconnected.

Police believe the incidents could be linked and are keen to speak to the mail conman, who is about 5ft 6ins tall and stocky. He is believed to be aged about 30 and was wearing a long black coat, a coloured scarf, trousers, and black square-framed glasses.

Officers would also like to speak to a woman they believe is involved. She is described as white with waist-length brown hair tied in a ponytail. She is believed to be aged in her 20s and was wearing blue jeans and brown suede knee-high boots and carrying a Louis Vuitton handbag.

She is also described as having a southern accent, which could be from the London or Essex area. The duo are thought to be using a black BMW One series car, which is described as having ‘M Sport’ wheels.

Sergeant Julie Boardman, of the Keighley area neighbourhood policing team, said: “Royal Mail has received a thorough briefing about these two suspects, who we are keen to speak to in connection with these incidents.

“But I would ask all residents, particularly those in the Ilkley area, to take care of their personal information and to make sure that any documents containing information which could be used for fraudulent purposes are disposed of in a manner so they cannot be used again.”Anyone with any information about the suspects is asked to can call police on 101.