Shropshire pensioner conned out of money by man posing as gardener
A 90-year-old woman has been conned out of money, when a man posed as a gardener.
The man knocked on the woman's door, at her home in Edgmond, offering to carry out some gardening for her.
The woman than handed over £50 so the man could do the work, but when he left to get his tools and never returned to do the job.
This latest incident occurred only a few weeks after an elderly male in Newport handed over a total of £10,000 to a bogus builder, who called at his house in the town claiming building work needed doing on his property.
It not known whether the two crimes are linked.
Constable Lee Thomas of West Mercia Police said: "The lady told the unknown caller she could do with her hedge trimming and gave the male £50 to carry out the works.
"Unfortunately, the male then left with the woman thinking he was going to get his tools, but didn't return.
"The victim has only been able to give us a limited description of the male as being white, slim and aged between 20 and 30-years-old."
He added: "The vast majority of tradespeople that visit homes or post literature through doors are 100 per cent reliable and trustworthy.
"However there is a small number of people who seek to take advantage of vulnerable persons for their own financial gain.
"A bona fide trader will have no issue whatsoever with you asking to see identification or to verify who they are before letting them into your home or agreeing for them to carry out any work or service for you.
"If you need work carrying out on your home, always try to use someone who has been personally recommended by family of friends, and preferably get several quotes and references before committing your money."
