North Yorkshire schools targeted by scammer with 'leftover paint'

Police have urged people to be "vigilant"

A school in North Yorkshire was targeted by a scammer pretending to be a workman, who offered to paint parking lines and zebra crossings.

Police have warned schools in the region of a potential scam following the incident at a school in the Hambleton area on Thursday 2 May.

The man claimed he worked for the Highways Agency and had "leftover line-painting material".

He later asked for large sums of money after completing substandard work.

However, in the event, he received no payment.

North Yorkshire Police said two very similar incidents also took place at primary schools in York on 30 April - but the offer of work was declined.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the "leftover paint" scam is often used by criminals who give low. verbal quotes before charging inflated prices when they complete the work.

'Be vigilant'

The spokesman added: "The work is often completed to a low standard with substandard materials.

"A variation on the scam is to offer resurfacing work.

"While on this occasion it appears schools are being targeted, other organisations such as churches, hospitals, sports clubs and private businesses - anywhere with car parks really - need to be vigilant."

He added that if people want this type of work done, they should "approach established companies or individuals that you can talk to again if anything goes wrong, and agree a price and contract in writing".

The man in question is described as white with short, quiffed blond hair and a suntan, around 6ft tall and aged approximately 25-30.

He wore a yellow high-vis top without any branding and drove a white, unmarked van.

Police said it had been confirmed the man does not work for the Highways Agency. Anyone with any information is asked to get in touch.