Watch out for con man posing as housing association worker (From Sutton Guardian)

Con man posing as housing association worker tries to trick Wallington pensioner out of hundreds

4:00pm Tuesday 9th October 2012 in News By Sophia Sleigh, Reporter

A con man tried to trick a 70-year-old woman out of hundreds of pounds and even went to the bank with her in a taxi.

The man tricked his way into the woman’s home in Vickers Close, Wallington on Monday, October 8, at around 11am.

He said she had a water leak from her roof and gutters and the woman believed he was from the local housing association.

He told her it would cost £450 to repair the leak - and that he needed the money that day.

The trickster then ordered a cab so he could travel with her to withdraw the cash. The cab parked in a layby in Woodcote Road, Wallington, whilst the woman got out and went into Santander Bank nearby.

Fortunately staff at the bank called the police when the woman explained she was making a withdrawal to pay a repair man waiting in a cab outside.

The suspect had fled in the vehicle before police arrived and no money was given to the workman.

Officers accompanied the woman home to make sure her property was secure.

The suspect is described as a white man aged about 40 years. He had short dark hair and facial stubble. He was wearing a long dark overcoat.

PC Duncan Harris, of Sutton’s crime prevention unit, advised residents to refuse to have work carried out on their homes by workmen who arrive on their doorstep without an appointment.

He praised Santander Bank for being vigilant and for calling police immediately.

For advice on a Safer Sutton Trader Scheme call 020 8770 5070 or email trading.standards@sutton.gov.uk

For crime prevention advice, contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team on 101 or visit met.police.uk/sutton