Officers are appealing for information following an incident in which a 72-year-old Swanley woman handed over money to a man who falsely claimed he had carried out repair work on roof tiles at her home.

The man called at the woman's house in Swanley Lane at around 9am on Thursday 12 November, saying he was connected with a scaffolding company that had equipment on a nearby building. He told the woman he had noticed some tiles out of place and so had replaced them for her. 

At this point the woman offered to pay him for the work and gave him cash. The man then walked off in the direction of Hextable. Having spoken to workers associated with the scaffolding the woman realised that the man was nothing to do with them and in fact could not have carried out the work he claimed to have completed.

Description

The man is described as white, between 30 and 40 years old, 5ft 7ins tall, of medium build but a bit tubby, with short, dark brown hair. He was wearing a black zip-up fleece and dark coloured trousers.

Bogus caller warning 

‘Be wary of anyone offering to carry out home maintenance or gardening work,’ said Detective Sergeant Adam Ball. ‘Don’t hand over any money until you’ve checked with someone that it’s the right thing to do. You can always tell a caller you need to check with a neighbour or family member or if in doubt ring the police. The genuine caller won’t mind waiting.’

Can you help? 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police on 01732 379217, quoting reference 16210, or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

Information can also be emailed to west Kent appeals.

Posted on: 17 November 2009