RESIDENTS in Redditch are being warned to be on their guard against rogue traders following an incident in Lodge Park over the weekend.
West Mercia Police is investigating the incident where suspected cold callers caused damage to a member of the public’s roof to try and scam them into overpaying for repairs.
The two suspects attempted to intimidate an elderly woman into paying for roof work after one of them climbed onto her roof with a ladder – without her permission – and allegedly tried to subtly cause damage to convince her to get work done.
A neighbour confronted the pair and they eventually left.
Following the encounter, police are advising residents not to open their doors to anyone cold calling offering repair work on their home and are conveying the message: “If in doubt, shut them out.”
PC Dan Freckelton, from Redditch Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, is investigating the incident.
He said: “I would like to remind everyone to always ask for ID, never agree to work without first having a quote or contract in place.
“Be polite but firm – if you do not want any work done and remember that door to door salespeople are subject to strict rules and guidelines and should not be persistent if you decline their goods or services.
“And finally, report any suspected rogue traders to the Trading Standards Department or the Police if they have committed a crime.”
Visit the consumer helpline at: orlo.uk/fSCgm and report incidents.
But PC Freckelton added if anyone felt threatened and in danger – or if a crime was taking place – they should always call 999.
