Bogus workmen steal OAP’s cash (From This is Hampshire)
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Bogus workmen steal OAP’s cash
9:50am Sunday 5th July 2009 in
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- By Jenny Makin » Assistant News Editor
BOGUS workmen have duped a vulnerable pensioner and his son out of more than £1,000 to carry out work on their home.
The pair of thieves called at the elderly man’s home claiming they were carrying out repair work on a neighbour’s home.
They told the victim that a bracket needed fixing, which would cost £15, at his address before taking down a piece of guttering to show him that too was broken.
The 84-year-old man handed over £600 for the repairs and whilst the money was being counted, one of the conmen got into his house through an upstairs room and stole a further £700.
It happened on Wednesday between 2.30pm and 3.30pm at the house where the man lives with his 55-year-old son.
Police have today issued a plea to residents, particularly the elderly, to be aware and stay vigilant when answering their door.
DC Paul Lancaster of Shirley CID, said: “These men have duped a vulnerable pensioner and his son into handing over more than £1,000 in cash to carry out unnecessary work while also conning their way into their home and stealing money from them.
“Never agree to have work done by people who call unexpectedly at your front door. Make sure you use a trusted company who is recommended by a friend or relative and never let anyone into your home who you are unsure about”
The first man is described as being white, around 5ft 7ins, of slim build and aged in his 30s. He spoke with an Irish accent and had short black hair and was wearing a black tracksuit.
His accomplice was also white, around 5ft 10ins, stocky build and aged in his 50s.
He too spoke with an Irish accent and had very short light or greying hair.
He was wearing a round neck T-shirt, light coloured shorts just below the knee, tartan socks which were pulled up and black shoes.
Do you know who they are? Call Shirley CID on 0845 045 4545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Comments(9)
mick sterbs
says...
10:30am Sun 5 Jul 09
Irish, bad dress sense, possibly a white transit, police to scared to approach?
of course nothing to do with the above but has anyone noticed the huge group of travellers in stoneham lane?
Linesman
says...
11:14am Sun 5 Jul 09
I can't understand why people, old enough to know better, think that their money is safer at home than in a bank or building society.
We hear of similar stories on virtually a daily basis, and yet these people thing that it will never happen to them.
Me? If they found £25 in cash in my house I would wonder where it came from!
goard
says...
11:46am Sun 5 Jul 09
goard
Linesman
says...
12:19pm Sun 5 Jul 09
goard wrote:As Shirley CID are investigating the case, I would imagine that the victims also lived in the area - an area that would have at least one bank and also building societies, and if not, there is certainly a free bus available for the pensioner!
Over the last four weeks, time and time again men/boys in good suits are trying to sell something - usually double glazing, including Gas and electricity agents and requesting to see our last bill. All these then telephone us. I have a notice on my door telling them to keep away but have this worrying feeling they are 'casing' the joint - 'do they look as if they have money - are they elderly'? and the neighbours are beginning to get jittery. Most pensioners have no convenient Bank, no Post Office, no bus or too expensive to get to nearest town. BUT what is important, since the disgraceful Government pillaging peoples pensions - who can we trust with our cash nowadays? Of course, the thieves know this and ramsack the home. goard
Where did the cash come from? Pension? How was it received? Certainly not from someone delivering it in cash! It would have been paid into a bank, building society or Post Office.
The article mentioned the 84 year old's son who, it would appear, also lost cash.
Presumably he was either working, or on benefit, and precious few employers pay their work-force in cash these days - only the 'cash-in-hand' ones so, once again I ask, why was there so much cash in the house!
I wonder who will be next!
One sure thing, they will not find that kind of cash in my house!
goard
says...
2:21pm Sun 5 Jul 09
Elderly folk think Government, friends, their families are after their money - so they stash it away - fair game for burglars. But this is just one scenario when it comes to robbing the elderly - I worked for a little while in the probation office and was horrified at the length thieves will go. Well, I have got that off my chest!!
goard
Linesman
says...
2:31pm Sun 5 Jul 09
goard wrote:Sad about your Mum and I appreciate that 'old habits die hard', but we all hope that we can learn from the mistakes of others!
Linesman, of course, you are right. I, try to imagine what happens when one is alone. But I must tell you about my elderly mother who was able to collect her pension but was able to walk to the Post Office. Two of her 'friends' use to go to the charity shop where she worked, and these 'friends' visited her at her flat. When I popped into see her to get her groceries the pension was always missing. She told me a small child was ramsacking her cupboards whilst the 'friends' chatted and this went on for a month or two. I told the police about this and they just dismissed it and said there was nothing they could do. Elderly folk think Government, friends, their families are after their money - so they stash it away - fair game for burglars. But this is just one scenario when it comes to robbing the elderly - I worked for a little while in the probation office and was horrified at the length thieves will go. Well, I have got that off my chest!! goard
stmarysmush, literally
says...
9:23pm Sun 5 Jul 09
wilson castaway
says...
3:20pm Tue 7 Jul 09
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King Mush says...
10:27am Sun 5 Jul 09
If only there was some high profile media campaign to get this message through then perhaps these scummy door-knockers might be curtailed.
A decent Neighbourhood Watch scheme does help or just people watching out for vulnerable OAPs nearby.
Even reporting suspicious vehicles and occupants to the non emergency police numbers can often check them out via registrations. Probably false plates so the cops might roll up.