Rogue roof repairers target elderly

Two men have targeted the elderly in Selby and Haxby in York as part of a roof repair scam where they knock on doors claiming to have seen a bird fly into the occupant’s roof.

Twice the men have offered to go into the loft to get the bird out and check for damage. The men then offer to repair the damage - which has actually been caused by themselves - at an inflated price.

In other incidents, they have approached elderly residents with the same story about a bird flying into their eaves. After going up their ladders, they come back down claiming to have moved the bird and demand a fee.

Officers have extended their warning across the county after receiving at least two reports in Selby and six in Haxby, near York.

PC Hayley Rowbotham, said: “Our advice to residents is not to answer your door to cold callers at all. And do not, under any circumstances, allow them into your home.”

Anyone who has also been targeted in similar circumstances is asked to contact Selby police on 101.