Warning over bogus traders targeting the elderly in Shropshire
People are being warned bogus traders are potentially targeting the elderly in the north of Shropshire and charging them huge fees for relaying their drives.
Residents in the Ellesmere area believe there have been several incidents where the scam has been carried out, including on one occasion recently when an elderly couple were conned out of £7,500.
Police have confirmed they have received reports of bogus traders operating in the area and have warned people to be careful of anyone they suspect.
Resident Bruce Drummond said: "On the evening of March 31 a transit size white van with a green or yellow stripe down the side and possibly a phrase like 'motorway maintenance' conned an elderly local couple out of £7,500.
"A medium-sized man with fairish hair rang the bell and told Mr and Mrs X the usual story about working in the area and having some materials left over. Mr X agreed the job – but no price – and was told they would start the following day."
Mr Drummond said that at about 9am the following day a large tipper truck arrived loaded with chippings.
"They can't remember the cab colour but are positive it had no identifying names on the doors, or on the front of the cab, and they are pretty sure that the tipping body was grey or unpainted," he said.
"There was a crew of three doing the work, one man dribbling on the tar and the others moving the chippings around or using a walk-behind roller. Mrs X says that the man operating the roller was blonde and quite 'burly', the other two were dark haired and much shorter.
"At various times another man appeared and parked a silver/grey saloon car across the road from them and spoke to Mr X about the job. He is described as being as tall as Mr X and much wider – again burly.
"They spent all day doing 'work' and left at 6pm or so after taking a further £5,000 off Mr X. They refused to accept a cheque."
Terri-Anne Powell, spokeswoman for West Mercia Police, said: "Bogus traders can be extremely persuasive and often target elderly and vulnerable people. Low prices are quoted, but as the work starts the price tends to increase.
"Remember, if in doubt, keep them out."
