Police are urging residents to be wary of builders who try and talk their way inside an address on the excuse that they are from a building company working nearby, following two such incidents in the borough in the last few days.
On Thursday, 5 May, a man knocked on the door of a house in Welbeck Road, Carshalton, at around 13:30hrs claiming he was from a building company carrying out work next door. He wanted to come inside to explain about a wall being built behind the property.
On Thursday, 5 May, a man knocked on the door of a house in Welbeck Road, Carshalton, at around 13:30hrs claiming he was from a building company carrying out work next door. He wanted to come inside to explain about a wall being built behind the property.
However, the resident asked to see the caller’s company ID and when the caller failed to show any, was refused entry. The caller then left and got into a white van with red lettering on the side, which was parked near the corner of Welbeck Road and Winchcombe Road. The suspect is described as about 6ft tall, of medium build with mousey brown short hair. He was wearing a green jumper and brown trousers.
Police enquires found that a building company was carrying out work next door but had not sent anyone to call on the neighbouring address.
On Wednesday, 11 May at around 14:30hrs, two male callers at an address in Hamilton Avenue, Cheam, said they had been asked to call round by the surveyor dealing with the sale of the property next door.
They asked for the resident’s contact details which he provided and was told to expect a call from the surveyor.
The resident then received a telephone call purporting to come from a surveyor who explained that work was needed on both properties and therefore he would be liable for part of the cost. The resident refused and hung up. He checked with the neighbour’s property and found no work was necessary.
One suspect is described as aged 45-50 with a dark complexion and dark hair. The other suspect is described as aged 25-35, about 5ft 10in tall and of stocky build with short hair.
Safer Neighbourhoods Insp Kathy Morteo said: “Both residents refused to allow these callers into their homes. Our advice is if an unknown person calls unexpectedly, keep them shut outside,” she said.
If someone knocks on your door and claims to be from a particular business or organisation then:
- do not let them in
- put your door chain on (if you have one) before opening the door or speak to them through the door
- ask them for their ID card but do not phone the number on their ID card
- find the number from your telephone directory or from your bill and phone that number. If they are genuine, they will not mind waiting outside
- if you think the person at your door is trying to commit a crime, call police on 999 immediately
Police say that whilst the vast majority of building companies will be genuine, they are urging residents who want 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.
Sutton Council has a Safer Sutton Trader Scheme which seeks to help residents avoid bogus builders and unscrupulous traders. To find an approved trader please visit the Safer Sutton Trader Scheme website at: www.sutton.gov.uk/ssts
or call 020 8770 5070 for details.
For advice on rogue traders contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06. For their guide on 'how to spot a cowboy builder' visit:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/scams/common-scams/building-scams/top-tips-on-how-to-spot-a-cowboy-builder1/
Police enquires found that a building company was carrying out work next door but had not sent anyone to call on the neighbouring address.
On Wednesday, 11 May at around 14:30hrs, two male callers at an address in Hamilton Avenue, Cheam, said they had been asked to call round by the surveyor dealing with the sale of the property next door.
They asked for the resident’s contact details which he provided and was told to expect a call from the surveyor.
The resident then received a telephone call purporting to come from a surveyor who explained that work was needed on both properties and therefore he would be liable for part of the cost. The resident refused and hung up. He checked with the neighbour’s property and found no work was necessary.
One suspect is described as aged 45-50 with a dark complexion and dark hair. The other suspect is described as aged 25-35, about 5ft 10in tall and of stocky build with short hair.
Safer Neighbourhoods Insp Kathy Morteo said: “Both residents refused to allow these callers into their homes. Our advice is if an unknown person calls unexpectedly, keep them shut outside,” she said.
If someone knocks on your door and claims to be from a particular business or organisation then:
- do not let them in
- put your door chain on (if you have one) before opening the door or speak to them through the door
- ask them for their ID card but do not phone the number on their ID card
- find the number from your telephone directory or from your bill and phone that number. If they are genuine, they will not mind waiting outside
- if you think the person at your door is trying to commit a crime, call police on 999 immediately
Police say that whilst the vast majority of building companies will be genuine, they are urging residents who want 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.
Sutton Council has a Safer Sutton Trader Scheme which seeks to help residents avoid bogus builders and unscrupulous traders. To find an approved trader please visit the Safer Sutton Trader Scheme website at: www.sutton.gov.uk/ssts
or call 020 8770 5070 for details.
For advice on rogue traders contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06. For their guide on 'how to spot a cowboy builder' visit:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/scams/common-scams/building-scams/top-tips-on-how-to-spot-a-cowboy-builder1/