‘Council’ duo swindle OAP out of £100s

AN elderly woman has had hundreds of pounds swindled from her after being targeted by men claiming to be from her local council.

The 70-year-old was at her home in Swanwick when two men knocked on her door on Saturday. They claimed the council had received complaints about her garden and that she needed to pay them money to tidy it.

She handed over cash and the men said they would return in a couple of days to complete the work.

However, a neighbour who became suspicious called the police.

Officers are now looking for the men involved and have urged people to keep an eye out.

PC Ruth Platts of the local safer neighbourhood policing team said: “I would like to offer my thanks to the neighbour who reported their concerns and encourage people to look out for their neighbours, friends and relatives, make them aware of the issue and our advice.

“If notice anything suspicious in your neighbourhood please contact us as soon as you can, and pass as many details on to officers as possible including any descriptions or details of people calling at homes or vehicles they may be using.”

She added that homeowners should take precautions when dealing with cold-callers by checking their identity and making sure their house is secure.

“We strongly advise local residents not to agree to work by any strangers who turn up at your doorstep unannounced and offering to carry out repairs to your property,” PC Platts said.

“Council officials and other agencies would not operate in this way, so be particularly alert to any excuses they offer.

“If you do think that work is needed then contact a few reputable companies and get a few quotes first. If they claim to be from an organisation such as the council make sure you contact them on a separate number to one they provide to check out their story.”

Anyone who saw two men using a small silver van calling at homes in High Street or the surrounding area should get in touch using reference 20*535907.

People can call 101 or get in touch with Derbyshire Constabulary through their website or Facebook or Twitter.