'Rogue trader' suspected to have stolen thousands from pensioner after offering to repair leaky gutter

Luke Donnelly

30 November 2024 at 4:04 am·1-min read

The suspected rogue trader has been arrested (file photo) — -Credit: (Image: Getty)

A suspected rogue trader who reportedly conned homeowners in Southwark, Croydon and other parts of the South East has been arrested. The 44-year-old from Edenbridge, Kent has been accused of targeting a vulnerable pensioner with a roof repair scam in Swanley.

Kent Police said thousands of pounds of cash were stolen from the elderly victim whose home has been left in disrepair. Officers were made aware of suspected fraudulent activity at an address near Warren Road, Swanley between October 17 and 18 after two men offered to repair leaky guttering on the property.

The suspects allegedly demanded the victim pay in cash up front for materials and continued to inflate the cost of repairs, without completing the job.

One of the suspects - aged 44 - was arrested on November 27 on suspicion of fraud by false representation. He's also accused carrying out similar fraudulent activity in Southwark, Croydon, Edenbridge and East Grinstead in West Sussex.

He has since been released on bail, pending further enquiries. Further reports of similar suspicious activity have also been brought to the attention of officers in New Ash Green and Dartford, where two men have been offering to complete work to roofs and guttering.

Following a spate of incidents, police are encouraging people not to engage with door-to-door tradesman or cold callers.

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'Rogue trader' suspected to have stolen thousands from pensioner after offering to repair leaky gutter

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