Bogus workman steals £40 from elderly woman, Church Street, Nuneaton

Incident 295, January 23

A man claiming to be working on behalf of a council took £40 from an elderly disabled woman after telling her it was for security lighting for her home.

The man knocked at the door of the 85 year old woman's flat in Dempster Court, Church Street, Nuneaton, at about 13.45 hrs yesterday (Tuesday January 23) and said he was measuring up for security lighting for the communal stairs.

He told the woman that she would have to pay £40 but that she could reclaim it from the council after they installed the lighting on Friday.

The woman let the man into her flat and handed over the £40.

The man then said he was going to get a receipt for the cash but never returned.

No physical force was used in the incident.

About half an hour earlier another man had knocked at the door and asked for a woman with a "foreign" sounding name. Police believe that the two incidents may be linked.

The man who took the money is described as a white male, about 6' tall, of stocky build with short very dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing.

A police spokesman said: "This is another incident of an elderly person being conned out of money by someone pretending to be a workman. We would urge all householders to question anyone before they let them into their home and demand that they produce identification. If you still have any doubts about their identity ask them to wait outside whilst you telephone the authority they claim to be representing, whether it be a council, utility provider or private company. Bona fide visitors will understand."

Anyone with information about this incident or who saw either of the two men hanging around Dempster Court is asked to contact police at Nuneaton justice centre on 01926 415000.