Please be aware of a bogus tradesman (full details below) who has been targeting homes on the Island and do pass the information onto any vulnerable neighbours you might have. Ed
Police are warning householders to be aware of a suspected bogus tradesman targeting homes on the Isle of Wight.
Officers and Isle of Wight Council Trading Standards are investigating a report of a vulnerable man, aged in his 80s, who was visited at his home in Fairlee Road, Newport by a stranger at 1pm last Thursday afternoon.
The man offered to clean the pensioner’s driveway and guttering. When the pensioner said he was not interested, the man persisted and said he would carry out some cleaning so a decision on payment could be made later.
A calling card was given to the pensioner, who’s told police the lowest cost printed on the card was £4.50, and the highest £150.
Later the same afternoon, the man returned to the pensioner’s front door and claimed he was owed £450 for the driveway cleaning. The pensioner went to his bedroom for money, and was followed by the man, who later claimed he was owed an extra £450 for cleaning the guttering.
It’s believed the man counted £900 in cash of the pensioner’s money before leaving the address sometime between 2.40pm and 4.00pm last Thursday (June 18).
The suspect is described as:
â— Male
â— White
â— Aged between 25 and 35
â— 5 ft 8 to 5 ft 10 ins tall
â— Short fair hair
â— Spoke with a southern accent
He was wearing a red polo top featuring three words; the third word was ‘Coverings’.
The suspect was seen using a white Toyota Hilux van, which had ladders and a compressor on the back. The compressor was covered over. The van also had green writing on one of its sides.
The victim told police the suspect had mentioned he was from the Southampton area, and that he was involved in Boxing.
A witness has reported seeing a woman in the van whilst it was parked at the address in Fairlee Road.
Police would like to speak with the tradesman and anyone else who might have been approached by him.
Officers are reminding householders not be pressured into paying cold callers for services you have not asked for.
Anyone with information, or who is approached by a tradesman matching the description above, is asked to phone Newport Police Station on 101 or 0845 045 45 45, or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Isle of Wight Council Senior Fair Trading Officer Julie Woodhouse said: “While there are many genuine businesses who offer services, unfortunately some individuals choose to target vulnerable people on their own doorstep, often using intimidating tactics. We advise people to be vigilant and think of the Stop, Chain, Check message.
“Stop and check who is at the door and see if you know them. If it’s a stranger, put your door chain on and always ask for identification. If you can check it, make sure it’s a landline you ring and not a mobile. Always remember you never have to agree to any sales or services so close and lock the door if they persist. If you need further help, ring Trading Standards on (01983) 821000 or ring the police.”
Image: Ben+Sam
