Honiton: Devon and Cornwall Police issue alert for scams

Local police have received information regarding rogue tradespeople across Honiton, Axminster, Sidmouth and Seaton.

A group of males are visiting homes across the region and scamming people into paying large bills and they may be leaving windows open to prepare the home for a burglary at a later date.

They are appealing for members of the public to be vigilant and to come forward if they suspect they have been a victim.

The police are warning about tradespeople coming to people's homes and offering to complete work that is often required, for example completing some gardening or fixing a roof. The tradespeople will provide a quote for the work and complete it to a satisfactory standard.

However, on completion, the tradespeople will insist that the quote was for only half the work and the victim feels forced to pay the additional money.

In addition, it seems that in one instance one of the tradespeople accessed the home to use the bathroom and then left a window or door insecure, perhaps so a burglary could take place at a later time.

Devon and Cornwall Police are asking people to be on the lookout for a White Ford Transit with a Republic of Ireland number plate of 123KE1861.

The descriptions of those involved in the scam vary but it seems the leader of the group is a white male of 5'7" in his late forties, and he may be assisted by two younger males.

If you have any information on these traders, or you have been a victim, please contact police on [email protected] or by dialling 101, quoting the reference EN/011234/22, or contact Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133