POLICE are warning elderly residents to be wary of suspicious callers after an incident at the home of a 59-year-old man in Rake Way, Saughall, at about 11.45am last Friday.
He claimed there was a broken roof tile and offered to fix it on the spot for £150. The occupant declined the offer but the caller then demanded £20 for the quote.
The householder continued to refuse payment and threatened to call police, at which point the man left on foot in the direction of Darlington Crescent. The householder was uninjured and nothing was stolen.
Police describe the caller as white, in his late 20s, about 5ft 11in tall. He had broad shoulders and was wearing a yellow fluorescent jacket. He had no discernible accent.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone who has been approached in a similar manner to get in touch.
There was a similar incident at Runcorn, again last Friday, when a confidence trickster knocked at the home of an elderly couple and demanded cash for repairs which he said needed doing to their roof.
The phoney contractor then barged his way in, took £120 from the confused pensioners and demanded more cash before searching one of the rooms and then leaving.
Police say the two incidents are not connected.
Police advice on dealing with callers is :
Legitimate contractors will always telephone first to arrange an appointment and carry identification.
Do not admit anyone into your home if you have concerns. Credentials can be checked by ringing a number for their organisation provided by Directory Enquiries and not the person themselves. Call police if you feel uneasy.
Neighbours are asked to keep a watchful eye on elderly residents and to challenge anyone suspicious calling at their homes.
Anyone with information should call police on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
