I note with concern that the bogus workmen touting for gutter clearances and gardening and then bullying victims to pay an inflated bill are once again in operation and targeting the local elderly folk.

I have seen several reports in the last week in the Burntwood, Brownhills and Norton areas of this chancers door knocking and being  intimidating. 

Never take on gardeners or workpeople do do jobs on your property in response to a knock at the door. Always use reputable, known traders and get quotes beforehand. 

Please tell your relatives and neighbours about these scammers, and impress upon them how important it is not to be menaced into buying, or giving money for services  at the door, no matter how plausible the people demanding cash are. 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, fence repairs, tree pruning etc., and that if they are at all unsure of any caller, to close the door and contact the police.

Scumbags preying on the elderly and vulnerable are lower than a snake’s knees.

Please,  if you have any further information relating to this matter, or if you’ve witnessed something suspicious, please contact West Midlands Police by dialling 101 (999 in an emergency, obviously) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.