Detectives launch hunt for Angmering woman over fraud allegations

Joann Kathline Wood, 56, who has also used other names such as Jo Oliver and Sarah Whitlaw, was last seen at a house where she had been living in Arundel Road, Angmering, on October 1, this year.

Officers were first contacted the following day, and are investigating allegations of theft of various household and valuable items from that address dwelling and five fraud offences, including one that a local woman had recently been defrauded of £3,000, and another that a local man had been defrauded of £6,500.

It was also been reported that a car loaned to the woman was not returned.

It has since been found at a garage in East London. Wood is also known to make claims, none of which are true, that she is a doctor or a vet, with connections to the police or the army.

Wood, of whom police have released this photo, above, is described as white, 5”6’, of medium build, with short, grey hair, and wears glasses.

Her details have been circulated to all police forces, and enquiries are being made to trace her, a police spokesman has confirmed.

Detectives have received information that she had stayed at bed and breakfast establishments in Weymouth, Dorset, last month, allegedly leaving without paying, and caught a bus to Exeter on Friday 30 November.

There have been no sightings since then.

Detective Constable Jane Mills of West Sussex CID said; “We are working with other forces to find Jo Wood, and if anyone has any information as to where she may now be, we ask them to contact us via 101 quoting serial 0502 of October 2. You can also call your local force on 101, or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”