Conmen swindled more than £1,500 from a pensioner

Digital ‘evofit’ images of the offenders

An 83-year-old pensioner was swindled out of more than £1,500 by heartless conmen who deliberately and maliciously hoodwinked the elderly and vulnerable woman.

At about midday on 14 March 2014, a man called at a house on Marigold Street and told the 83-year-old resident that her “flashing was loose” and that he, as a builder, could repair it.

He returned three days later with another man and while on her roof, claimed it was rotten and in need of repair.

A piece of rotten wood was shown to the pensioner by the men, who claimed specialist tools and scaffolding would be required for the work, which would cost £1,650.

The woman withdrew the cash and paid the men, who said workmen would arrive at 3pm the same day to erect scaffolding.

No one ever turned up at the address.

The victim has assisted officers in compiling digital ‘evofit’ images of the offenders.

Detective Constable Amie Darnell, said: “These two men have hoodwinked and elderly and vulnerable woman into handing over a large amount of cash.
“They have told her the roof was rotten and shown her a piece of rotting wood in an attempt to add some veracity to their charade.

“Ironically it is these two men – who have deliberately and maliciously targeted an 83-year-old woman – who are themselves rotten to the core.

“If anyone has any information about the men or recognises someone from the images please come forward.

“I also want to stress how important it is not to hand over cash to people who come calling at your home.

“Always get a written quote for work and where possible seek a second opinion. If you think the person who is calling is a fraudster, then please do not answer the door and contact a relative, neighbour or the police immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9961, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.