Police warning over white van rat scam

Detectives are investigating what they have called a possible “rogue trader incident” on Parthian Road in Hull between 9.30am on Friday and 10am on Monday.

After being called. officers carried out house-to house-inquiries and reviewed footage from Hull Council’s closed circuit television cameras.

The 64-year-old homeowner got a phone call from a man saying there were problems with rats in a neighbouring loft.

The man came round to the house and asked for £820 in cash to start the work.

He stayed at the property for about an hour before leaving saying he would return the following day.

When he came back he said he needed a further £2,200 to carry out the work. The victim agreed and went to his bank to withdraw the money.

The man returned two days later and asked for a further £1,000 to finish the work – which the victim paid.

Police have revealed the householder paid out £4,020 for work that was not completed.

The man is white, aged about 50, with short, white hair.

He is 6ft with a medium build and believed to have a white Transit van.