Doorstep conman who duped Scarborough pensioner is handed police caution

The pensioner, who lives in the Briercliffe area, was approached by a man who offered to cut his hedge for £350.

A fee of £70 was eventually agreed and the man took the cash, but failed to complete the work during the incident on Thursday July 9.

Police community support officers conducted house to house enquiries and issued a description of the man’s van.

Police stopped the van on the A64 near Malton on Friday July 17.

A 25-year-old man from Hull was arrested in connection with the incident and his van was seized by police.

The victim had his money returned to him and the man was given a police caution.

Sgt Steve Voyzey, of Scarborough Police, said: “Sadly this incident was a case of someone taking advantage of a vulnerable pensioner.

“Thankfully, we managed to track the offender down and the victim was able to get his money back.

“We would like to try and prevent any further incidents of this nature and I am urging people to be vigilant and aware of scams like this, where people are asking for money up front.

“Always wait until the work has been completed before parting with any money and remember if something is too good to be true it normally is. If in doubt don’t hesitate to call the police.”

For more information about protecting yourself from doorstep crime, visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/boguscallers

If you think you have been visited by a bogus caller, call North Yorkshire Police on 101 - select option 1 - and pass information to the force control room.

Or call Crimestoppers, anonymously and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.