Investigation launched after rogue traders dupe vulnerable resident in Winsford

Police have launched an investigation after a vulnerable resident was duped out of almost £20,000 by rogue builders.

On Thursday 23 November police were contacted by concerned staff at a bank in Winsford after a vulnerable customer attempted to withdraw a large amount of cash.

Officers attended and following enquiries it was found that an 81-year-old woman had been visited by a building company called Angling Roofing & Building Ltd.

The builders told the victim that the roof of her home on Pipers Ash, Winsford, was in need of urgent repairs and offered to complete the work.

After taking a number of tiles off the roof, the builders stared to demand large amounts of cash in order to complete the work.

The victim is believed to have paid the builders almost £20,000.

Police Constable Adam Baxter, of Northwich Local Policing Unit, said:

“Offences of this nature are absolutely sickening, and I would like to reassure local residents that we are doing all we can to identify the people responsible.

“Our investigation is in its early stages, and I would ask anyone with any information which may aid our enquires to get in touch.

“I would also like to thank the staff at the bank in Winsford, had they not intervened and reported their concerns, I have no doubt that these men would have continued to exploit cash from this vulnerable victim.

“I’d also like to express my thanks to the local community who have all pulled together and helped to fix the victim’s roof within just days of the incident being reported.”

There are a number of steps residents can take to avoid doorstep crime:

• Always check the identity of the doorstep caller by telephoning the company they are claiming to be from. Use the telephone listed in your local phonebook or off the company website. Do not use a number the caller gives you
• Check whether traders are members of the Local Authority Assured Trader Schemes or the Government Trust Mark Scheme
• Discuss any work you feel needs carrying out on your property with a relative or a friend who can help you find a reputable trader
• Don’t agree to anything on the spot, or sign anything. Do not feel pressured into having work carried out
• Never pay cash up-front and don’t ever go to the bank or cashpoint with a trader

Anyone with an information which may aid the investigation is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101, or visit www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us quoting IML 1697494.