Alexander Dewhirst, of Oundle Road, Orton Longueville, Peterborough, became the city's latest scam victim, when he handed £1,300 to a rogue trader.

Mr Dewhirst needed his loft insulated, so he called a builder from the same reliable family firm he has used for 50 years.

But on Friday, March 4, a conman turned up on Mr Dewhirst's doorstep.
Mr Dewhirst said: "The lad got out of the van and said 'you need some work doing in your loft, don't you?'

"He said he was the builder's' son, and said he could do a deal, as I was a good customer.

"He asked for £1,200 in cash, which I didn't have in the house. He said he would drive me to the bank so I could pick it up."

Mr Dewhirst was then driven to his nearest branch, where he withdrew £1,200 from his account.

But when the pair got back to the house, the conman asked for even more money, and Mr Dewhirst gave him another £100.

The pensioner asked the man for a receipt, and he was promised he would receive one in the post – but it never turned up.

The work on the loft started yesterday, and it was only when the builder turned up and said he knew nothing about the man that Mr Dewhirst realised what had happened.

Mr Dewhirst said: "I could not believe it. I normally turn away cold callers, but I did not rumble him because he seemed to know what I needed doing.

"I was gobsmacked when I realised.

"I just hope that no one else falls for something like this."

Pc Liz Gardner, who is investigating, said: "This was an incredibly convincing story by the rogue trader. He cleverly posed as the son of a genuine builder who he'd probably seen at the victim's house.

"This crime is very cruel and left an elderly man upset and angry.

"The actual crime took place over a month ago, but if anyone can remember seeing a plain white Mercedes van in the area, perhaps visiting homes, please get in touch.

"Otherwise, always be on your guard. If the tradesman is genuine, he won't mind waiting while you make a few phone calls to establish who he is."

Mr Dewhirst described the conman as being white, in his 30s, about 5ft 10ins tall, of "beefy" build with brown hair. He was driving a white Mercedes van.

Anyone with any information should call police, on 0845 456 4564, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.






BREAKING NEWS TUESDAY 4PM: Police have today launched a hunt for a rogue trader who conned a 93-year-old man out of £1,300 by posing as a genuine builder.

The man, from Oundle Road, Orton Longueville, Peterborough, had commissioned building work by a genuine builder in February. The work was due to commence after Easter and payment was going to be made by cheque, after the work was completed.

On Friday, March 4 a rogue trader driving a white Mercedes van approached the victim's house, telling him that he was the son of the genuine builder. He explained he needed £1,200 up front for materials and drove the man to the bank to withdraw the cash.

The offender drove the victim home and pretended to call his 'dad'. The offender then asked the victim if he had any more money in the house. Another £100 was given to the man.

When the victim asked for a receipt, the offender left his house, saying he would send him one.

When the genuine builder attended the victim's house today (Tuesday, April 15) to commence the building work, the fraud was discovered.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Liz Gardner at Thorpe Wood Police Station on 0845 456 456 4 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Full story and an interview with the victim in Wednesday's Evening Telegraph.