NORTH Yorkshire police have issued a warning to residents after a string of cases of fraudulent roofers targeting the elderly and vulnerable.

Police have launched an investigation after they were made aware of recent cases of suspected bogus roofers targeting the elderly in Harrogate, Wetherby, Middlesbrough and Stockton.

Officers are looking into whether the scammers are linked another six reported to them at the end of last year, four of which were in York and two across the border in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough.

According to police, the bogus tradesperson will typically cold-call a victim by turning up on their doorstep unannounced and offering to clean their guttering for a small sum.

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The scammer will then claim to the victim that they have found extensive damage to their roof requiring immediate attention.

Sometimes they may even show the victim rotten wood and felt, convincing the victim that it has come from their roof.

The rotten wood and felt has usually been brought in by the roofer as part of the scam.

A police spokesperson said: "Never allow cold callers to carry out work on your property. If you require repair work on your property, obtain three quotes from reputable tradesperson. By law, they must inform you of your right to cancel within 14 days and should not commence the work within the 14-day cancellation period.

"Do not allow yourself to be pressured into allowing work to be done by cold callers. If somebody turns up at your door unannounced, or is acting suspiciously, please do not hand over any money. Say you are not interested, lock the door, and call someone you trust.

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"Look out for your loved ones and neighbours - especially anyone who is elderly, lives alone or is having any work carried out on their property that looks suspicious – fraudsters are persuasive, persistent and can often prey on the most vulnerable in our communities.

"If you believe that you or someone that know has been targeted by rogue tradespeople, please use the ‘Report it’ link on our website. You can also contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting reference number 12180015933 or North Yorkshire Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133."

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