Wimbledon tickets scam smashed

Police have smashed a Wimbledon ticket touting ring after catching two postmen selling tickets they had stolen from the mail, Scotland Yard said today.

The pair, both aged 25 and from Worthing, Sussex, were questioned by detectives who believe they were selling stolen Number One Court tickets.

It is understood the two men originally ordered tickets legitimately. However, police say they then realised what Wimbledon ticket envelopes looked like, and stole a pair of tickets bound for the home of a retired couple who had applied by ballot.

An inquiry into the thefts has been launched by the postmen's employer Consignia amid concerns other tickets could have been stolen. The Post Office Investigation Unit, which has the power to bring criminal charges, is investigating. The two men have been released on bail until 8 August.

Ticket touts have plagued the championship and last week 34 people were reported to officers for street trading and illegally selling tickets. An Evening Standard investigation at the start of the tournament revealed tickets for the men's final on 7 July are selling for up to £2,846. Organisers sold most of the tickets to fans and club members who sent in postal applications for £69.

Local police and the All-England Club have launched a drive to clear out the touts. The two postmen were arrested on Thursday. Officers say that at present they have no further evidence to suggest the pair stole other tickets - but a search of the suspects' homes did uncover more stolen mail.

A Met spokesman said: "It would seem these two ordered tickets and would have known what Wimbledon ticket envelopes looked like."

A Consignia spokeswoman added: "We cannot comment other than to say two postmen have been suspended pending investigations."