Residents living in the Great Barr area are urged to be on the lookout for a bogus workman who has tricked several elderly victims into handing over payment.
Police say that the workman has used a variety of excuses in an attempt to con money from vulnerable members of the community.
InBlenheim Drive, Hamstead, an elderly resident handed over cash after being misled into thinking money was owed for work done by a genuine company.
It is believed the same fraudster has also attempted to gain cash by asking for money up front for window cleaning for a year, along with pest control and tree cutting scams.
Enquiries by neighbourhood officers suggest the man may have chanced his arm inHoward Road, Hamstead;Stoney Lane,SandwellValley;Southgate Road, Great Barr; andSheen Road, Kingstanding.
Most residents have grown suspicious and have contacted the police.
Detective Sergeant Andy Robinson, from Sandwell CID, said “We are urging anyone who has been approached by this man to contact us. We are also asking that residents keep an eye on elderly neighbours.”
The bogus workman is described as a white, stocky man, bald with a round face and 5′ 10″ tall. He wears a flat cap and drives a white van.
Officers have issued the following crime prevention advice to homeowners:
- Always ask to see an identity card. Check it carefully and then check their story by phoning the organisation or company they claim to represent. Look up the number in your own telephone directory. Don’t rely on the telephone number on their card – it may be the number of a crook’s partner.
- Bogus callers sometimes work in pairs. Beware of one distracting you while the other steals your property.
- Ensure your back door is locked if you are answering the door to someone you don’t know.
- Watch out for anyone who says they are in a hurry. Don’t let them pressure you. If in doubt, call a neighbour or friend.
- If you have any suspicions at all, don’t let them in.
