Officers are warning isle residents to be wary of rogue traders after an elderly man was targeted in Westgate.
It was reported that the man opened his front door to a person who was offering to clean his roof in St Margaret’s Road on Saturday 8 September.
Despite the victim declining his offer, he returned home on Monday 10 September to find men cleaning his roof anyway.
He was then told the cost was far greater than what he had originally been quoted. No money was exchanged and the victim reported the incident to Kent Police.
Sergeant James Ross said: “Residents should not feel pressured into agreeing to services or goods offered by door to door salesmen. And, as in this case, they certainly shouldn’t be asked to pay for work that wasn’t ordered. Any incidents like this should be reported to us immediately.
“While many callers are genuine, rogue traders could charge you for work that wasn’t needed, or leave it unfinished until they receive more money, or even intimidate you.
“Elderly people are seen as easy targets, and may not feel confident in challenging a suspected fraud, so we ask residents to keep their eyes and ears open against rogue traders, not just for themselves, but for their elderly relatives and neighbours too.”
Cold callers have also been reported in the area of Melbourne Avenue, Ramsgate, where residents were approached and offered goods for sale on Sunday 9 September at around 9pm.
Anyone with any information regarding these reports or residents who wish to report a similar incident in the area should call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 10-0826 for Westgate-on-Sea or 10-0408 for Melbourne Avenue in Ramsgate.
For more advice on rogue traders visit https://www.kent.police.uk/advice/bogus-callers-and-rogue-traders/