Couple in their 80s fleeced of £300 as bogus tradesmen strike at York homes

Be on your guard – bogus tradesmen are targeting elderly and vulnerable people in York.

That’s the message from the police after three separate incidents involving older residents.

Con 1: Couple lose £300

At 12.15pm on Wednesday, March 9 a man called at the home of a couple in their 80s on Broadway and offered to fix roof tiles for £300.

The man entered the house without permission and continued with a pushy sales pitch. He asked for the money and followed the woman householder to her bedroom where he was given the money.

The man left in a car, which is believed to be a light grey Audi A6.

He is described as white, aged in his 30s, of stocky build, around 5ft 6in tall, with dark hair and an English accent.

Con 2: Cash taken from elderly woman

This happened on Tuesday, March 8 when a man called at the home of woman in her 80s on Low Fields Drive.

He said his name was Paul and that he had completed £420 worth of roof repairs and needed paying. The victim handed him £20, and he said he would be back today for the rest of the money.

The man left in a grey car with another passenger, although it is not known if they are a man or woman.

He is described as aged in his 30s and around 6ft tall.

Con 3 Pushed into her home

At around 11am on Wednesday, March 9 a man called at the home of an 86-year-old woman in Chaloners Road, Dringhouses.

He told her she needed £250 worth of roof repairs – and that she could claim the money back from her landlord. After pushing his way into the property he told her he needed the money.

The woman did not hand over any money and the man said he would return. He left the house in a light blue car with another man inside.

The man is described as Irish, white, aged in his 40s, of stocky build and around 5ft 6in in height.

Don’t answer the door

Police are advising residents not to be taken in by these men. Their advice:

Don’t answer the door to anyone you are not expecting
Always check before you answer the door and use a door chain if you have one
Don’t be afraid to say no to them
If you feel threatened by the men, dial 999.

City of York Council’s trading standards department has been alerted and is looking into the reports.

If anyone else has been targeted by the men, or they have information that could help the investigation, please contact police: