Roof repair scam nearly cost pensioner £80,000

The pensioner was approached at his house by someone saying he needed work done to his roof

A "conman" tried to scam a "vulnerable pensioner" out of almost £80,000 by claiming he was going to carry out repairs on his house, police have said.

Lancashire Police launched an investigation following reports an elderly man was approached at his house in Preston last week by a man who told him he needed work done on his roof.

The man took £2,500 from the victim before asking for a further £75,000 to complete the work, the force said. However, the victim did not hand the money over and contacted police.

Ch Insp Dave Byrne said: "This is a despicable crime committed against an elderly and vulnerable man and we will do all we can to track down this callous offender."

He warned people to be vigilant to avoid falling victim to "a bogus caller".

"A rogue trader may advise you that you need work doing on your roof, driveway or other part of your home," Ch Insp Dave Byrne.

"They may ask for money in advance or even say that your property is dangerous and that you will be responsible if someone is injured. The work they do can be poor standard and prices are often inflated.

"Older adults in particular are at risk, but anyone can become a victim."

The force advised people not to agree to have work done on the spot during a cold call and to get written quotes from two or three traders before getting any work done.