Pensioner conned on his doorstep by bogus traders

Police have appealed for witnesses to track down bogus traders who conned a pensioner on his doorstep.

The man i n his 80s was approached by two dark-skinned men at his home in Boxley, in South Ashford, on Sunday, October 9 this year.

The pair offered to clear guttering for £5, but told the pensioner that the guttering was damaged and would cost £200 to fix.

Then they took the money and disappeared without completing any work at the property.

According to police the men are described as having dark skin, one was thin with dark brown collar-length curly hair and the other was stocky with short hair.

Sgt Jasmine Bloomfield has issued a CCTV photograph of a man who police believe can assist with their inquiries.

Sgt Bloomfield said: “We are treating this as an isolated case and would like remind people how they can stay safer in their homes.

“A rogue trader is someone who cold calls at your home and offers services or goods and overcharges you for them.

“This includes overcharging for unnecessary work, damaging property deliberately to get money, leaving work unfinished and intimidating someone to get money.

“Rogue traders are also known to take advantage following severe weather such as floods and high winds to offer repairs at inflated prices.”

Kent Police have issued guidance to residents to protect them from falling victim to bogus callers, including locking the back doors before answering at the front and not leaving a front door unattended.

For further advice visit www. kent.police.uk.

Anyone with information about the incident or the identity of the man shown should call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference SI/ZY/009162/16.

Picture: Kent Police Police would like to speak to this man in connection with bogus traders