A RETIRED Andover vicar has warned residents to be wary of rogue traders after she was nearly fleeced out of £750.

Former Benefice of Pastrow vicar Jill Bentall claims that she was asked to hand over around £750 in cash after conmen offered to repair the windows of her Lodge Close home.

Mrs Bentall, 71, said the incident took place on Monday, January 25 when a man, believed to be of Irish origin, approached her at her door.

The man claimed to know her and after offering to repair her windows returned quickly with two young men.

The trio inspected her property, damaged her windows and then offered to repair them for £750.

The large sum caused Mrs Bentall to become suspicious. She asked the men to leave and later reported the incident to the police.

She told the Andover Advertiser: “They were very convincing and made out they were going to be doing me this big favour.

“They said that they knew me and with the nature of my job I meet a lot of people so I didn’t really question it.

“It was an unsettling experience – I am amazed at myself for being so taken in.”

Asked what advice she had to fellow residents, she added: “Don’t engage with them and certainly don’t let them into your home.”

Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed it is treating the episode as a ‘suspicious’ incident.

Police are urging anyone who has any information or has suffered a similar experience to telephone them on 101 quoting the reference number: 44160037736.