Police have arrested a 45-year-old man in connection with three offences of obtaining money for building work not carried out on the home of an 84-year-old female resident of Cotswold Road, Sutton.
Officers from Sutton's pro-active crime squad stopped a white van in Beddington Farm Road, Croydon, on Thursday, 7 January, at 07:45hrs.
Officers from Sutton's pro-active crime squad stopped a white van in Beddington Farm Road, Croydon, on Thursday, 7 January, at 07:45hrs.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of three offences of fraud - two in October and one in November. He was also arrested for an attempted fraud in November.
The resident, who is living with dementia, is reported to have paid out an estimated £600 for roofing work which was never undertaken.
The man was taken to a South London police station for questioning. He has been bailed to return towards the end of February - pending further enquiries.
Police say that whilst the vast majority of building companies will be genuine, they are urging residents who want improvement work carried out on their homes to ask for ID and written quotes as well as to check out any companies and obtain references from previous customers - before agreeing to any work and parting with any money.
Most reputable companies will be happy to supply such information.
Police advice is not to let any unknown callers into your home and not to give them any money in advance of any work.
Sutton Council has a Safer Sutton Trader Scheme to help you find an approved trader. Visit the Safer Sutton Trader Scheme website at:www.sutton.gov.uk/ssts
or call 020 8770 5070 for details.
The resident, who is living with dementia, is reported to have paid out an estimated £600 for roofing work which was never undertaken.
The man was taken to a South London police station for questioning. He has been bailed to return towards the end of February - pending further enquiries.
Police say that whilst the vast majority of building companies will be genuine, they are urging residents who want improvement work carried out on their homes to ask for ID and written quotes as well as to check out any companies and obtain references from previous customers - before agreeing to any work and parting with any money.
Most reputable companies will be happy to supply such information.
Police advice is not to let any unknown callers into your home and not to give them any money in advance of any work.
Sutton Council has a Safer Sutton Trader Scheme to help you find an approved trader. Visit the Safer Sutton Trader Scheme website at:www.sutton.gov.uk/ssts
or call 020 8770 5070 for details.