Warning issued to Isle residents after rogue traders are thwarted

Two men in a white van with ladders on the roof are said to have visited the victim’s home in Church Lane, between 2pm and 3pm on Monday, July 13.

The men offered to carry out work on his guttering and roof, as well as painting his windows, for £450.

They then asked him to pay £300 up front for materials, promising to return the following day to do the work.

The victim says he was the bullied into allowing the older of the two men to drive him to the bank to withdraw the cash, parking the van in Wells Street.

However, the clerk and a customer became suspicious and instead took the victim to a police station, at which point the suspects left the scene.

The first man is described as white, aged 55 to 60, of large build with light coloured hair.

The second is also white, in his 30s, of large build and dark hair. Both wore blue overalls.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting log number 335 of July 13.

Generally speaking it is rare these days for genuine traders to cold call, but if you do come across this there are certain rules they have to abide by:

• They must give 7 days cancellation notice

• Give a written quote

• Have a contact telephone number and more importantly, a contact address.

• No money should be exchanged prior to the work being carried out. If the trades person offers to take you to the bank, threatens, intimidates or is aggressive towards you, you should call the police immediately on 999.