Bogus builder cons Shropshire pensioner out of £10,000
A 70-year-old Shropshire man was conned out of £10,000 by a bogus builder who told him his house needed urgent roof repairs – despite there being no problem with the building.
The man handed the builder £4,000 so work could begin the next day on his home in Wellington Road, Newport. But when the builder returned to start the work he told the homeowner it was going to cost him a further £6,000.
The victim handed over the money and the conman – who was driving a white Transit-type van – left. Police are investigating.
Telford & Wrekin borough councillor Eric Carter described the incident as "disgusting and shocking".
He said: "You see this sort of thing happening on TV but I've never heard of this happening in Newport in all the 40 years I have lived here.
"Obviously I sympathise with the man but I would hope people would do some background checks before handing over that kind of money. This serves as a warning to other people to be on their guard."
Constable Lee Thomas, from Newport's safer neighbourhood team, said: "An unknown male attended an address on Monday, telling the occupier that he needed some urgent work doing on his roof and guttering, and that the male would be able to carry out the works the very next day.
"As a result the house owner, concerned for his property, paid £4,000 in cash to the unknown man.
"As if this wasn't bad enough, when the male came back the following day, he told the occupier the work was actually going to cost an additional £6,000 which the occupier duly paid.
"The alleged workman has not been seen since."
Constable Thomas appealed for anyone who may have seen the man knocking on doors in the area on Monday or Tuesday to contact police immediately.
He added: "We would ask everybody, young or old, to be wary of anyone coming to their door uninvited, telling them they need work carrying out on their property or provide other goods or services. As the saying goes, if in doubt, keep them out.
"Families are also asked to ensure elderly or vulnerable relatives are aware of these sorts of scams in order that they don't also fall foul of these despicable acts.
"If you do need work carrying out, we always suggest getting several quotes and using a recommended tradesperson, preferably one already known to friends or family members."
Police have not received any further reports about the man.
Telford & Wrekin Council's trading standards department offers advice to residents and also take part in the Trader Register System where they approve local tradespeople for the scheme.
The public can then search for the service they need at the website www.traderregister.org.uk
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference 332S of June 10 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
