A YOUTH believed to be one of Newton Abbot’s ‘beggar boys’ wanted by police has had the cheek to strike twice at the same property within a fortnight.

Youngsters have been troubling townsfolk for weeks with their demands for cash after hitting victims with made up tales of woe.

One targeted family revealed this week that they had twice been on the receiving end of the sob story scam from the same swindler.

Two weeks ago the likely lad knocked on the front door of his chosen victim - a woman in her 60s - in the Grafton Road area and asked for cash for a taxi ride into Paignton.

His request was denied by the woman who was aware of the trickery after reading reports in the Mid-Devon Advertiser.

She alerted police who responded immediately. But a quick search of the immediate area failed to find him.

On Sunday the never-say-die freebie hunter turned up at the same property after following the same woman to her home.

Her son said on Monday: ‘He saw her carrying her purse, and followed her home from the Asda car park.’

And he revealed: ‘This time he told a story about needing the cab fare to Paignton Zoo to pick up his girlfriend who was stuck there.

‘He even offered to leave his mobile phone with her in return for the money.

My mother rang the police - but they were busy and could not respond immediately.’

He added: ‘She was too savvy for him. But she was still a little bit shaken by what happened - especially as it was the second time.

‘I immediately went out to look for him, but he vanished. You’ve got to be quick to catch him because he just seems to disappear into the woodwork. I know what I would do if I did catch him.’

Details were given to police who said they were hopeful of bringing the matter to a conclusion sooner rather than later.