Beware of bogus callers locally. Image from Southern Water.
Partnerships officer Kevin Pitt has sent details of a bogus workmen scam operating in Aldridge that has led to the detention of two men last Friday (11th August 2017) in connection with a scam in which a local OAP was intimidated into withdrawing money from their bank by workmen who claimed to have carried out unsolicited work.
Thankfully his bank was on the ball and staff called the police.
Kevin said:
From Kevin Pitt (Police, Engagement and Consultation Officer, Walsall)
Two bogus workmen were arrested by police in Aldridge on Friday (11 August) after being alerted by bank staff.
The pair had called at the home of their victim in Oakely Avenue offering to do work cleaning and repairing window frames and guttering, The offer was refused, however a short time later the pair again knocked the door stating they had completed the work and in a threatening manner demanded £260 in payment.
The resident told the pair that he didn’t keep that sort of money in the house so they told him to go to the bank and return within the hour. Unsure of what else to do, the victim attended his bank where he told staff what had happened. The police were called and found the offenders still sitting in their van outside their victim’s home from where they were arrested.
During the course of investigations another resident came forward stating that he had paid the two men to paint his fence, which had been completed, but had stolen a shovel from his shed. The stolen item was found in the back of their van, a blue Ford Transit. It was also found that they had visited several other residents offering to do work. Most had refused.
Though these two men have been detained by police it is likely that they or others will return to prey on the elderly and vulnerable in and around Aldridge.
Please be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour. Be particularly aware of anyone offering to carry out unsolicited work. If you need work caried out on your home always employ a trusted and reputable trader and obtain quotes before proceeding.
Please tell your relatives and neighbours about these ratbags, and impress upon them how important it is not to buy from, or accept services at the door, no matter how plausible the people offering them. Genuine companies will always contact you by other means.
Explain that no official body will turn up unannounced demanding money for services like gardening, drain cleaning, tree pruning etc., and that if they are at all unsure of any caller, to close the door and contact the police.
Scumbags engaged in the robbing of OAPs are lower than a snake’s knees.
Please, if you have information regarding these kinds of incidents locally or if you have witnessed something suspicious, please contact West Midlands Police by dialling 101 (999 in an emergency, obviously) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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