Warning as man duped out of cash by conmen

A PENSIONER was duped out of hundreds of pounds after conmen pretended he had a rat problem in his home.

Police said the elderly man, who lives on South Road, Sully, in the Vale of Glamorgan, was conned out of hundreds of pounds after two men claimed to be environmental health workers and told him his house was infested with rats.

After saying they had carried out work, and taking cash from the victim as payment on March 19, the men returned the following day in an attempt to scam more money.

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and bailed in connection with the incident and police said enquiries are ongoing.

Diane Briggs, 66, who also lives on South Road, said older people in the area are becoming “quite frightened”.

She also recounted a recent incident in which a man in a white van was spotted taking photographs of her home.

“I went out for around half an hour and I came back and there was a white van blocking my drive,” she said.

“I got out of the car and a man came running down the drive.

“He said he was taking pictures of the porch and then he carried on running.

“I asked him why but he carried on running before driving off at speed.”

Diane said she was told the same vehicle was spotted on the same day at about 1pm at another street nearby.

She said: “It has been going on for months. They have been offering people odd jobs that don’t need doing.

“It seems they are taking advantage of vulnerable people. “It’s happened to a few people.” South Wales Police confirmed it has been made aware of the incident reported by Ms Briggs.

Detective Inspector Terry Hopkins said: “We’ve received a few reports of people who look like workmen acting suspiciously in the Sully area over the last few days, and I would urge those living in the area to be vigilant.

“Residents should be wary of anyone who arrives at their property unannounced and uninvited and they should always verify that callers are who they say they are.

“Taking note of descriptions or details of any vehicles being used is also recommended where possible, as this could prove extremely valuable to an investigation.

“The recent targeting of an elderly and vulnerable gentleman was particularly cruel, and I would urge anyone who witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the South Road area to get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, quoting occurrence number 1800097856.