Residents warned against rogue traders

Residents in Basingstoke are being warned to be on their guard against rogue traders following an incident in the town.

Detectives are investigating an incident that occurred in Cliddesden Road on Tuesday, March 9.

The 79-year-old victim received a cold call at her address by a group of workmen who offered to do maintenance work to her house for £1,000. The woman agreed and paid them the money.

A few days later they returned and asked the woman for an extra £500. She refused, and the men left when she threatened to call the police.

Enquiries have found that no work was required on the building and it has now been left in a worse condition.

One man is described as:

• White
• Stocky build
• 5ft 6ins tall

A second man is described as:

•  White
• Aged in his late 20s
• Short, dark hair

All four men were using a white sided pick up truck. Investigating officers have now released an image of the business card the men were using to make other residents aware.

Detective Constable Dan Leese, from Basingstoke CID, said: “These people have targeted a vulnerable member of the community and conned her out of £1,000. The work that was carried out on her house was unnecessary and actually worsened the condition of the property.

“I would like to advise people that it is a lawful requirement for door to door tradesmen to provide a seven day cooling off period before doing any work and to seek verifiable references before agreeing to anything and handing over any money.

“In this case, the offenders left a business card and I would like to hear from anyone who has received something similar, or has any information that can help our investigation.”

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