Council Issues Conman
Warning |
22 Jul 2005 |
Residents in South Tyneside are being asked to be extra
vigilant after a conman struck at the home of a pensioner.
The man called at the woman's home in Whiteleas, and
offered to prune her trees for £30.
When he had cut off some of the branches, he told the
woman it would cost her an extra £60, which she
refused to pay. He then demanded £40, which the
woman accepted, and left in a white flat-bed truck before
finishing the job.
Councillor Michael Clare, Lead Member for Neighbourhood
Services, said: "We are not sure if the man claimed
to be a Council worker, but I would like to stress that
every Council employee carries a photo identity card,
wears uniforms with the Council name on and, of course,
does not charge for the work.
"I would warn people to be on their guard as the
amount being charged is very high when the Council will
undertake the same job free of charge for Council tenants."
If anyone has been approached by the conman, please
call the police or Trading Standards on (0191) 424 7898.
Alternatively, if residents want to report any gardening
issues, they should contact their local housing office.
Anyone who is in doubt about a caller claiming to be
a representative from the Council, should verify that
person's credentials by contacting the appropriate Council
department via the Council switchboard on (0191) 427
1717.
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