I’m sad to share grim local news from a West Midlands Police press release, brought to my attention by Gina Lycett, Communications Officer for Walsall Police, who tweeted the appeal. It’s quite serious, so I thought I’d post it here. If you have older or vulnerable folk locally, please take a few minutes to warn them about this. It’s a particularly nasty and cowardly thing to do. Tell them never to buy at the door, and never listen to anyone who calls at their house claiming to be official. A genuine tradesman will always understand if folk are unsure.

If you happen to know, or think you know, who this spineless scumbag is, please do call the police or Crimestoppers. I know the idea of dobbing someone in sits uneasily with folk, but remember, he could be robbing your mum next…

POLICE WARNING AFTER ROGUE TRADERS TARGET ELDERLY IN BROWNHILLS AND ALDRIDGE

27 January 2011

WALSALL police are warning residents to be on their guard after a rogue trader charged over £500 for gardening work in Brownhills and Aldridge.

The gardener touted for business at two properties over the weekend, each time telling the occupant that plants were blocking the drains.

He did a small amount of maintenance work at an address on Commonside, Brownhills on Saturday 22 January around 11 am, before charging the occupant £250.

Just an hour later, he was using the same method at an address on Kelway Avenue, Pheasey where he charged over £300 for the gardening work

The man is described as white, heavy build, five feet nine inches tall and in his 50s. He was wearing a light coloured jacked and a red safety visor. It is also believed that he was driving a silver coloured vehicle at the time.

Police would like to question the man and are appealing for anyone who has had similar visits to contact them.

Sergeant Dave Stokes, from Aldridge police station, said: ” We believe that these two incidents are connected and are appealing for anyone with any information come forward.

“This is being treated as a criminal matter and is being investigated as fraud. We take these crimes very seriously and urge anyone who is suspicious about any of their callers to contact us. We are working closely with Consumer Direct (Trading Standards) at Walsall council and hopefully together we can put a stop to this type of crime.”

Anybody who has information is asked to contact Walsall police on 0345 113 5000.