North Yorkshire Police advice on beating cowboy builders

DS Quita Readman, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “This was a cruel, targeted fraud against a vulnerable elderly victim in her own home. White took advantage of her, and at no stage has he shown any remorse for his actions.”

The police advice is:

Genuine traders will not call uninvited at your door and try to persuade you that work needs doing to your home or garden.

By contrast, rogue traders will often approach your home directly, looking to trick you into agreeing to let them do work.

If you agree, they’ll overcharge you for shoddy work, which they might not even complete and probably wasn’t necessary in the first place.

When it comes to home repairs, follow this crime prevention advice:

• Never agree to have work done by a cold caller, either over the telephone or at your door.
• Do your research and don’t rely solely on posts or recommendations on social media.
• Obtain three different quotes, and ask family and friends for recommendations.
• Don’t be rushed into making a decision – genuine traders will allow you time to think and won’t pressure you to start work straight away.
• Don’t pay cash or transfer money to the trader before work has begun.

Police ask anyone living near vulnerable or elderly residents, to look out for them and contact the police immediately if you think they may be being targeted.