Bogus solar panel engineer in Maidstone

Residents are warned to be vigilant following a report of a bogus tradesman who tried to enter a property near Maidstone.  

The suspect is alleged to have claimed he worked for a solar panel company and attempted to gain access to an address in Coxheath, after making claims the recent storms may have caused damage.  

The man is said to have called at the address, near Heath Road, during the afternoon of Monday 7 March 2022 and requested entry.

The homeowner suspected it was a scam and refused to let him in. He contacted his solar panel company, who confirmed they had not sent anyone.

Officers attended the area and carried out a search, but were unable to locate the suspect’s vehicle, described as a large white van, without any signwriting or ladders.

Remain alert

Detective Inspector Richard O’Toole said: ‘The motives of this man remain unclear, but it is possible this was an attempted distraction burglary. The intended victim did the right thing in refusing entry to his home and contacting the police. 'We are urging anyone else who may have been visited by this person to contact us and are also reminding relatives and neighbours, of elderly and vulnerable people, to please keep an eye out for anything suspicious.’

Report suspicious behaviour by calling 101 or through the online portal on our website. If a crime is in progress dial 999.