Warning to old people after bogus workmen steal money

BOGUS workmen have scammed thousands of pounds from elderly pensioners in south Manchester.

One man handed over £3,500 to ‘white van men’ who drove him to a bank after they carried out work at his Burnage home.

An elderly couple were also persuaded to transfer funds into an account by bogus doorstep callers in Didsbury.

Police have warned residents in the suburbs to be vigilant following the frauds.

“Please talk to your elderly or vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives and warn them not to agree to having work done immediately,” officers warned on the GMP Fallowfield, Withington, Levenshulme and Burnage Facebook page.

“Bogus repairers can and do use a very good and insistent sales patter to get you to use them straight away. If you haven’t had your drains cleaned or your roof fixed for many years, then another day or two while you get another estimate won’t make any difference.

“If you need to get the building work done, get several written quotes from trustworthy or recommended firms and then decide who is right for you.”

Conmen first struck at a pensioner’s home in Burnage.

The elderly man was persuaded to have work done on his property by two white men in a white van. The pair then drove him to a bank where he withdrew £3,500.

When the fraudsters dropped him off at home, they disappeared.

Later that day doorstep callers struck at the home of an elderly couple in Didsbury. The couple were persuaded to transfer funds into an account on the promise that it would be transferred back in a short time. However the money was never repaid to the victims’ account.

Police hoping to crack down on fraud are advising neighbours to start Neighbourhood and Home Watch schemes in a bid to stamp out similar crime. The community-led schemes, which are supported by police and local authorities, aims to help people protect themselves and their properties and to reduce the fear of crime through improved home security.

Residents can join or start a policeregistered Neighbourhood Watch scheme by calling their local Policing Team or visiting www.ourwatch.org.uk. GMP