BROADWAY residents are being urged to be extra vigilant this Christmas after a man in his 80s fell victim to fraudsters in the village.
The warning comes after an incident on Tuesday, December 6, when the victim was approached by a where a man who said he was doing work in the area.
The workman asked if the victim wanted the moss on his roof clearing and he agreed, but when the elderly man returned, he saw his driveway had been jet washed.
The man paid the workman, but the following morning the fraudster returned and wanted payment for removing the moss from the roof.
The elderly man said he did not have the money on him and would need to go to the bank, but while police were conducting patrols in the area, a neighbour made them aware of the incident and no further money was given.
The workman is white, approximately 50-years-old, quite thick set and around 5ft 8in tall.
He was wearing a multi-coloured hat and a light coloured jacket during the incident.
Sergeant Nicholas Doyle said: “We’re urging members of the public, particularly those who are elderly, to be vigilant against potential fraudsters.
“Without the actions of a kind neighbour, this incident – although distressing for the gentleman involved – could have been much worse.
“Officers have heightened regular proactive patrols in the area and have carried out talks and meetings with elderly residents, regarding fraud and identity theft.
“It’s important to remember Broadway is a low crime area, but we continue to remind people of the actions they can take to help prevent themselves, neighbours or elderly members of their family from becoming victims.
“They include not answering the door to people you don’t know, and not agreeing to have work done unless you are sure the person is from a reputable company.
“If you have any concerns, take their name, details and a contact number and call to check their authenticity. A genuine worker should always be happy to provide this.”
Anyone with information should call West Mercia Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 329S of December 7.
