Conmen target Brighton Hill pensioner (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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Conmen target Brighton Hill pensioner
11:48am Wednesday 31st October 2012 in Local By Chris Gregory
BOGUS builders duped an 84-year-old man out of £400 in what police describe as “a horrible crime”.
The two men called at the pensioner’s home in Brighton Hill between 11am and 1pm, on Friday, October 26, and offered to do some work on his roof for £400.
They drove the victim to the ASDA supermarket in Brighton Way so he could withdraw cash to pay them. As he walked back towards the van, which was parked behind Gillies Health Centre, the offenders searched his pockets and took the money from him.
They never returned to the man’s home to carry out the work.
PC Martyn Evans said: “This was a horrible crime. The elderly victim has been conned out of £400. My message to the offenders is you will be caught.
“I would ask anyone who sees anyone suspicious or had someone cold-calling at their door, to contact police with the details. Genuine companies will not call at your home offering to complete work without prior appointment.”
The first man is described as white, aged between 30 and 35 and of medium build. He was wearing a light grey shirt, dark grey trousers and trainers.
The second man is also described as white, of a larger build and slightly older.
The van is believed to be bigger than a transit van and possibly white. It is also thought there was a ladder either on the roof or inside the vehicle.
Anyone with information can contact PC Evans at Basingstoke police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Concerns about cold callers can also be reported to Hampshire Trading Standards on 01962 833666.
