Police are making an appeal after two men, claiming to be from the council, took £40 from a woman at her home in Sevenoaks Road.
Between 8am and 1pm yesterday (Tuesday, December 15), two men knocked on the door of an 88-year-old woman, explaining they were from the council and were working in her neighbour’s garden.
The men offered to cut the woman’s hedges for her. The woman replied she wasn’t sure she needed their services and shut the door.
Around ten minutes later, one of the men came into the woman’s house through the open back door. He said they had finished working and required £240 payment. He then reduced the amount to £175, saying this was because the lady was elderly, and because ‘it’s Christmas’.
The woman was shocked at the man’s demand for money, and explained she didn’t keep large amounts of cash in the house. The man asked how much she had, and when the woman produced £40 the man took it, saying, ‘that will do’.
The woman was left confused and shocked by what happened.
One of the men is described as being white, wearing a yellow hard hat and carrying a grey leaf blower. The other is described as a white man of around 5ft 10ins tall and of muscular build. He had a round face which was clean shaven, and light brown short hair. He wore a long black jacket and black gloves, and on the left chest area of the jacket was some yellow and white writing.
PC Allison Fraser, investigating the incident, said, “The woman was distressed by this incident and is keen to warn others. If anyone remembers seeing these men in the area please contact us.
“Please look out for older friends and relatives and make them aware of this kind of ‘scam’. Offenders who carry out this type of deception rely on the goodwill and trust of homeowners. If you do not want the services they offer, make this clear. Do not let unexpected visitors into your home and ask for identification if you are unsure.
“Remember if you are approached with an offer to do work on your home, you have every right to refuse. Anyone genuinely working for Portsmouth City Council will carry an identification card, which can be verified through the City Helpdesk on 02392 834092.
“At this time of year, it is important to keep Christmas gifts out of view, and not to let strangers or unexpected visitors you do not know into your home – ensure all doors and windows are fully closed and locked. Do not give opportunist thieves a chance to target your home.
“If you think you saw these men or you recognise the descriptions and can identify them, please contact us as soon as possible.”
Can you help?
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Fraser at Fratton police station on 101 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, please call 0845 045 45 45.
