Elderly women fall victim to rogue traders

Police and Trading Standards are appealing for information after two elderly women were conned out of thousands of pounds on their doorstep, leaving their property in poor condition.

The victims, who are in their late 70s, have been cold called at their home in the Leigham area of Plymouth on three different occasions and conned out of money.

A number of months ago the women agreed to have double glazing installed after being cold called. It was fitted to such a poor standard that most of the windows and doors leak and draughts come into their house.

The victims were charged £3,500 for the front door alone which should have cost considerably less.

In June, two men cold called at the property and carried out some very minor and quick gardening at the property. They charged £500 in cash and did not return to complete the work they had agreed to do.

In the most recent case, a man cold called at the property on the evening of Friday 3 July. He persuaded the women to give him £200 in cash on the promise that he would return the following day to complete some garden clearance but he has not yet returned.

The suspect is described as having dark or tanned skinned, in his early twenties, 5ft 5ins tall and of medium build. He was wearing a dark jumper with a tree logo on the front and back. He drove a white flatbed van registration GU58 ULV.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who has seen this man, or who may have been a victim themselves.

The women are being offered support by local officers to ensure they are not conned out of money again.

Local officers are planning on assisting with the garden clearance at the property in their free time. They are also looking for volunteers to help with the other repairs and recovery work required and will be working with both Plymouth City Council and other volunteer organisations to facilitate this.

Detective Constable Pete Riley, Crownhill CID, said: “This is a targeted crime on two vulnerable ladies who have devoted their lives to helping others. Their goodwill and trusting nature have been exploited for financial gain.

“These criminals have left their property in poor condition and the victims without the funds to repair the poor work completed.”

Detective Inspector Roy Linden, Plymouth lead for Operation Montana which tackles distraction burglaries and rogue traders, added: “Cases like these are unfortunately relatively commonplace throughout the South West, with the most vulnerable in our communities being targeted.

“The police work very closely with Trading Standards and Plymouth City Council to address the issue of rogue traders, to bring those responsible to justice.

“As well as hoping to identify the men responsible for these incidents, we would like to hear from anyone who has any information about these activities locally.”

Councillor Philippa Davey, Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Doorstep crime can affect anyone, but most often it is the elderly and vulnerable who are targeted.

“Rogue traders can be very persuasive and convincing in their approach and it can be very distressing and frightening for an elderly or vulnerable person who is unaware of how to protect themselves.

“Tracking down and catching these rogue traders is an absolute priority for Trading Standards. Working with our partners, including Devon and Cornwall Police, we are committed to tackling this issue and will take appropriate enforcement action against those involved.”

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is asked to email 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk, call 101 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference CR/047006/15.