Police Warning Over Rogue Traders
| Published: 6th October 2008 16:33 |
Police in Maindee have warned people to be on the look-out for rogue traders after an 87-year-old woman was conned.
Last week an 87-year-old Maindee woman was pressured into handing over £2,000 in cash to a man with an Irish accent. The man, who was part of a group, offered to power-wash the woman's driveway and then told her some of the paving bricks were loose and needed repairing. After handing over the money the woman hasn't seen the man since and police detectives are now trying to trace him. He is described as white, around 5ft 10ins, with an Irish accent. Police believe the vehicles the group of men used were a white van with writing on the side and a grey-coloured car.
PC Andy Lewis, of Maindee Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:"I want to warn people that rogue traders are operating in the area. Anyone who knocks at your door and offers to do work should be turned away immediately. It is very important that people look out for elderly relatives and neighbours living around them. There is no reason for people to be frightened about becoming a victim of rogue traders, as long as they stay aware and are willing to turn workmen who call at the door away."
Gwent Police want to make people aware that when workmen give a quote for more than £35 they are required by law to give the customer a seven-day cooling off period. The customer then has time to consider whether they want the work doing and they are entitled to reject the quote without giving a reason. If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your street please call 999 immediately.
If you have any information relating to rogue traders call Gwent Police on 01633 888 111, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Source:NewportCityNews.com
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