Beware of bogus building contractors operating in the area

Rochdale Police are investigating bogus building contractors who are operating in the area claiming to be from a roofing company.

Two incidents, which are being investigated and thought to be linked, occurred in the Craiglands area between the 6 and 10 January.

Two offenders have approached an elderly person stating that they are carrying out roofing work on a neighbour’s property, and then point out a number of faults with the elderly person’s roof. The elderly person agreed to pay the offenders a large amount of money up front for materials. The offenders then say they will carry out the work the following day, and have since not returned to complete the job.

The first suspect is described as a white male,  aged 35 to early 40s, medium build, 5ft 8 into 5ft 9in tall, short dark hair, clean shaven,  Irish accent and wearing dark scruffy workwear.

The second suspect is described as a white male, aged 40 to 45, stocky build, 5ft 7in tall,  local accent and wearing a dark blue jacket and scruffy workwear.

Anyone with information about these incidents should contact Rochdale Police on 0161 856 8549. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A police spokesman said: "Victims can feel reluctant to report incidents of this nature, perhaps because they don't want to create a fuss, or they feel embarrassed or worried about the consequences.

"We encourage anyone who believes they have fallen victim to this type of crime to contact the police as soon as possible after the incident as this increases the chances of catching the people responsible.

"If there are elderly residents within your street, then please make them aware that bogus callers have been operating in the area this will minimises the chances of this happening to anyone else."