Man Duped By Rogue Traders

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a Villiers Street resident was duped by rogue traders.

The incident took place on Wednesday, July 14 after two men called at the address claiming they had been sent to do roofing work. They stated that the home owner needed extensive work to be done on his property and asked for a significant sum of money to carry out the work.

The home owner then met the men in Railway Street and paid them for the work in advance. The men never retuned to the house to undertake the work.

One of the men was described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall, between 30-40 years of age, of stocky build, with short fair hair and an Irish accent. He was also reported to be wearing dark clothing and had stubble on his face.

The other man was described as white; around 5ft 6ins tall, between 30-40 years of age, of heavy build with short dark brown hair. He was also reported to be clean shaven and had a southern accent.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Kerri Burns said: "Many rogue traders make a cold call and state they have seen a problem with the roof, driveway or other parts of a property and will offer to fix the problem. Some will even break roof tiles using a catapult before knocking at the property as a way to lure people."

She continued: “These people are very convincing and can seem legitimate, which is why people get caught out. But they will demand cash up front, won’t use any paperwork, and will create new ‘problems’ which need fixing to get more money from their victims."

“Be on your guard; don’t open your door to cold callers if you are not expecting them. Never agree to any work or part with any cash straight away. If you are in doubt, take information and contact Trading Standards to check their legitimacy.”

She continued: “This was a very unfortunate incident for the home owner to go through and we are doing everything we can to find the men responsible.

“They were driving a white van when it is believed they followed the victim home and when the money was handed over to them in Railway Street. I am appealing for anyone who may have seen the men described in the local area to get in contact and would also like to speak to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity on that day.

Anyone with information should contact police via the non-emergency number 0845 33 00 222 citing crime reference number A1/10/2276.