9:50am Sunday 5th July 2009
By Jenny Makin
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.
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