Police have warned of a method used by criminals to damage cars up for sale so they can get them for cheaper.

A small number of reports have been received of people using distraction techniques to damage privately sold cars.

Sussex Police are warning that criminals are contacting people selling their vehicles privately and arranging a time to view it.

A group of people will arrive to pick up the vehicle and while one of them distracts the seller, the others pour liquids and other substances into the coolant causing damage to the vehicle.

After this, they offer a significantly lower price than what it had been advertised for.

If it isn’t sold, the seller is then left with the costs of repair.

The Argus: Sussex Police would like to speak with these three menSussex Police would like to speak with these three men (Image: Sussex Police)

Detectives are keen to speak with these three men who may have information which could help them with their enquiries.

Anyone who has information which could help detectives with their investigation is asked to report it to police online or call 101 quoting serial number 937 of 13/10.