Rogue trader cons elderly Market Drayton resident
Elderly people in Shropshire to be on their guard against rogue traders demanding cash for little or no work.
The warning follows an incident yesterday at Market Drayton where an elderly woman was approached by a man in the street who said she owed him £300 for replacing several roof tiles.
He followed her home to Chestnut Road in a white van and was paid £300. No work was carried out and her roof tiles were in a good condition.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "This man is a thief, a rogue trader, who falsely claimed to have carried out work.
"These type of people tend to target the elderly who they know are more easily confused and intimidated.
"The circumstances in this case are slightly different in so far as the victim was approached in the street. Rogue traders usually knock on the door to say they have done work on the house or garden."
Yesterday's incident happened between 9.30am and 10am as the woman was making her way home from shopping.
The man was described as white, aged between 30 and 40, about 5ft 7ins tall, of average build with short brown hair. He was wearing a greenish coloured coat or long jacket. A second man remained in the vehicle.
The Ford Transit type van was parked in Chestnut Road for about 20 minutes before heading off towards Dalelands West.
Market Drayton police have appealed for sightings or any other information to assist their investigation. The number to call is 101. Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111.
