Warning about bogus workmen - Rugby

Police in Rugby have asked householders to on their guard against bogus workmen who call requesting money for work which has been completed on their homes and gardens.

The warning comes after an elderly couple were asked to pay £300 towards the cost of repairing a fence at their home in Adkinson Avenue in Dunchurch.

The work had been carried out be the council..

A man called at the house of the elderly couple a few days after the work had been completed and requested the money, claiming the council would re-pay them. He gave the first name of the person from the council who had sent him to collect the payment.

However when the couple contacted Rugby Borough Council they were told that the council does not collect payments at the door and that they were not required to make any payment towards the cost of the repairs to their fence anyway.

The incident occurred several days ago, but only came to light when the couple raised the matter with their daughter after the couple had contacted the council and were told that their employees do not collect money in this way.

In a second incident a 99 year old man in Brinklow was asked to pay £500 towards the cost of repairs to the roof of his home by a man who called at his home on Saturday 11 September.

The elderly man let the man into his home but became suspicious when he asked for the payment. The elderly man told him he did not have any money and said he was going to telephone someone to come th the house to speak to the man.

The stranger took fright and ran from the house empty handed.

Police remind householders to make sure they know the Doorstep Code. If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours of relatives please discuss the Doorstep Code with them too.

Keep doors and downstairs windows securely closed and locked at all times.

Put the security chain on before answering the door.

Keep the chain on while you establish the identity of the caller.

Ask to see some identification if they claim to be from a company. Take the identification card from them to examine it properly. Do not be afraid to close the door on them while you do this.

If you have any doubts contact the organisation they claim to be from by finding a number in the telephone book – do not use the number on the card as this may be answered by an associate of the caller.

If they claim to be local residents ask them where they live, but do not feel obliged to let them into your house, even if they say they live nearby.

If you still have any doubts tell them you wish to make an appointment for them to return when you can have someone with you.

Genuine callers will not mind you taking these precautions.

Never give money to someone claiming to be from the council. Phone the council office to find out what their policy is on doorstep collections – most local councils do not collect payments at the door.

Remember you do not have to let a stranger into your home – even if they claim it is an emergency.