This in from the police, in their own words, Ed
The reminder comes after an 89-year-old man from the Sandown area, was deceived into handing over a large sum of money after he was targeted by a pair of conmen in a distraction scam.
Posed as a tradesman
The victim was first approached on Sunday, September 29 by a man posing as a tradesman, in this case offering painting and decorating services and later on Saturday, October 5 by a man, believed to be an accomplice, posing as an official from Trading Standards.
The first suspect was described as
· White man
· About 5ft 7ins tall
· Long straight nose
· Brown hair
· In his 30s
The second suspect was described as:
· White man
· About 5ft 9ins – 6ft tall
· Dark hair
· Wearing blue Trousers and Blue Jumper – quite smartly dressed
Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant John Walton from the Newport DCID said:
“This is an utterly despicable crime against a vulnerable person. I am urging home owners to always check the credentials of unknown callers and call the company they claim to be from by using the telephone number in the phone book or on a bill. If in doubt shut them out. As well as contacting police immediately if you receive a suspicious caller or see any suspicious vehicles in the area. Please remember to take a note of the vehicles details and registration number.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Det Sgt Walton at Newport DCID by phoning 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 18001 101. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Image: breatheindigital under CC BY 2.0
