POLICE are hunting a conwoman who has been passing off fake cheques at post offices across Hampshire.

Described as acting very calmly, the young woman has tried to cash several fraudulent Inland Revenue cheques.

She struck at post offices in Denmead, Cowplain and Wickham earlier this month.

She has also cashed fake cheques at post offices in Bordon and Liphook in Hampshire, and Hindhead in Surrey.

In some cases she has been successful, at other times the woman has been challenged by staff and has left the post office empty-handed.

As they step up the hunt, police have now released a CCTV image.

The woman is described as aged 20 to 30, slim, with long, brown hair. She was carrying a large handbag and was possibly wearing glasses.

PC Alison Smith said: "Given the fact that this woman's demeanour is calm and confident, suspicion has often not been raised quickly enough to prevent her cashing these fraudulent cheques.

"She has used a series of fake addresses and credit cards to prove her identity and has so far managed to cash several cheques, usually for about £440 each time.

"There may be other incidents in locations across the county that have not been reported to the police yet, and I would encourage anyone who recognises this woman to contact us as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should contact Waterlooville police station on 0845 045 4545 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.