Elderly residents in Thanet are being urged to be alert to rogue traders following suspicious reports in the area.
Officers have received reports between February 2 and 5 of elderly people being targeted by strangers b who have advised work is needed on their property.
In all three reports, although the victims declined the work, they all said the doorstep caller was persistent in trying to get the work agreed at a high price.
A woman in her 80s reportedly had a man calling at her property in St Mary’s Avenue in Margate at around 12.30pm on 5 February, offering to fix loose roof tiles. During the incident criminal damage was reportedly caused to the victim’s driveway wall, after which the man then increased his quote for repairs from £20 to £1,250.
When the victim said she would speak to her family before agreeing to any work, he left the property and did not return.
He was described as aged in his 30s, and 5ft 5 ins tall. He was smartly dressed with short dark hair and spoke with an Irish accent.
A second man was present too, described as aged in his early 20s, under 5ft 5ins tall, with light skin and dark hair.
They left in a white transit-style pick-up truck.
Anyone with information about the report is asked to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/24132/19.
A similar approach regarding work needed on a roof was reported by a resident in St John’s Avenue in Ramsgate at around 1pm on Tuesday 5 February, and in Dudley Avenue in Westgate on the morning of Saturday 2 February, a resident was approached by a man about getting work carried out on her driveway.
Inspector Jason Brown from Thanet Community Safety Unit said: “While it’s not uncommon to be approached by genuine doorstep callers looking for work, we are urging people to be wary of those who may be looking to exploit the more vulnerable members of our community by charging a large amount of money for work which perhaps isn’t needed and then pressuring them to accept the work.
“Keep an eye on your elderly relatives or neighbours, make sure they know they do not have to accept on the spot repairs and if they have any concerns about their behaviour, call the police.”
