Warning Of Bogus Workmen, Rugby

Police remind householders to always check the credentials of people calling at their home to undertake work.

The advice comes after an elderly man living in Pendred Road, Rugby handed over a substantial sum on money to three men who called at his house at shortly before 3pm on Thursday 31 March claiming they had come to undertake some work.

The householder, who had ordered some workmen to undertake some work at his home, believed they were genuine workmen and let them in.

After asking to see the estimate for the work, which the householder had already received from the company he had engaged, the men said they needed money in order to purchase the materials for the work. The householder paid them £2,000 in cash.

The three men left saying they would return to complete the work after they had bought the materials. After they had gone the householder contacted the company he had ordered the work through and was informed that they had not sent anyone to his address on that date.

A police spokesperson said, "This is a clear case of opportunist thieves, who on learning that the man was expecting workmen to call at his house used the opportunity to gain the man's trust and persuaded him to part with his money.

"If you are expecting people to call at your home to carry out work you should always ask for some form of identification from them which will show that the are genuine employees of the company. If you are in any doubt contact the company and ask them to confirm that the workmen are their employees or contractors.

"Never agree to give money to workmen in advance of work being undertaken without first checking that they are from the company you have engaged to do the work and always ask for a signed receipt with the company name and address on it."

The three men are described as being white males, all three spoke with Irish accents.

One was 5ft 9inches, aged 25 - 30 years wearing blue jeans and a jacket, the second is desscribed as being 6ft tall, approximately 40 years old with a plump round face and balding. He was dressed in a dark coloured suit and was carrying a clip board. The third male was 5ft 9inches tall, aged in his 20s, slim build with ginger hair. He was wearing jeans and a light brown top.

Anyone who recognises the description of the men, or who has any information is asked to contact PC Simon Bodill at Rugby Police Station on 01788 541111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.