Warning issued after vulnerable pensioner pays money to bogus workmen

A PSNI spokesman said they were made aware of bogus workmen operating in the Greenwood Hill area of Belfast.

Detective Sergeant James Johnston said: “Three men travelling in a white van called at the home of an older gentlemen on 6th April. They offered to carry out some work for the occupant, demanding payment upfront. They returned on a number of further occasions, each time soliciting further payment for this alleged ‘work’.”

He added that it did not appear any work took place and “that the monies paid by the vulnerable householder far exceeded what any legitimate tradesman would reasonably charge for such services”.

A PSNI spokesman added they were investigating a possible link with another report of a suspicious male in the same area on April 10.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact detectives on 101. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information anonymously they can do so via the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. “