14/12/2006

Local News

Bogus workers con elderly woman into giving cash

The man knocked on her door and told her that he needed to look at the pipes as he was concerned sewage would spill out and damage her house.
He demanded £250 from the 80-year-old pensioner but she was only able to give £60.
The man said he would return later in the day to complete the work but then drove off in a white transit van.
He is described as white, about 5ft 10 and of a stocky build. He had dark hair and was in his mid to late-twenties and was wearing blue jeans and an orange fluorescent jacket.
A second suspect, who was in the van, was a white man. Police are advising residents not to open the door to anyone they do not recognise.
Byfleet PC Nick Griggs said: “You should ask for identification if a person turns up on your doorstep and says they are there to carry out a job.
“If you are unsure, ask for the contact number of their company and tell them you will phone it and they should return later in the day.
“If they are genuine, they will return.”
Anyone with information should call Surrey Police on 08451 252 222 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111

First printed in: Byfleet News and Mail