Warning issued after guttering scam targeting elderly in Wrexham

Police have issued a warning after three men have apparently scammed an elderly resident.

North Wales Police received a report that three males carried out work on gutters at the property of an elderly resident in the Garden Village yesterday afternoon.

The men offered to clean gutters for a price, then they escalated it to a problem with the guttering, that they said they would repair but did not carry out the repairs.

They originally stated a price of £360 but then asked for more money. They were driving a small white van.

After a previous similar incident Cllr Hugh Jones, lead member for communities, partnerships, public protection and community safety, commented and gave some advice: “Rogue traders such as doorstep criminals can have a very negative impact on our communities, and can make life especially hard for elderly or vulnerable individuals, who are often the most likely to be the victims of such crime.

“If anyone encounters such doorstep sellers at their home, they are within their rights to turn down any such offers of work – no matter how polite the seller may seem. If the sellers become insistent, suspicious or aggressive, members of the public can contact Wrexham Council’s Trading Standards service on 01978 298997 or North Wales Police on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

“If homeowners feel that work could be done on their home, they are advised to get in touch with a reputable trader, rather than dealing with unsolicited doorstep sellers.”