Beware ‘cold caller’ odd job men - PSNI

The advice comes from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team following reports of men arriving at houses in the Gracehill area offering to power wash or tarmac driveways.

After agreeing a price for the work with the householder, the men have then increased the price on completion - sometimes by up to three times the original quote.

Neighbourhood police officers responded by patrolling in and around the village, last week, when they kept a particular eye out for contractors operating door-to-door, offering such services as power washing of driveways.

Constable Fenwick, who took part in the patrols, said: “I would ask residents to carefully consider employing anyone that arrives unannounced at their door.

“There are many dangers that people should be aware of such as fraud, poor workmanship and even personal liability should someone be injured whilst on their property to name a few.

“I would also ask anyone in the area with elderly relatives to take the time and advise them of these dangers as some contractors would appear to concentrate on offering their services to older residents. I cannot stress enough that people should always use a reputable, professional builder or tradesperson,” said the Constable, who also posted similar advice on the Ballymena PSNI Facebook site.

Speaking out on the issue of scams at last Thursday night’s District Policing Partnership (DPP) meeting in public, the district police chief, Superintendent Ryan Henderson urged everyone to be on their guard against being duped.

His remarks were made after a DPP member warned that a phone scam involving the purchase of advertising for a fake police magazine was doing the rounds.

Supt Henderson said: “There are so many clever scams people need to be on their guard particularly at this time of the year in relation to bogus callers offering work and charging extortionate amounts of money for it. And I would ask people to look out for their neighbours on this”.

If anyone sees or hears of anything suspicious please contact police in Ballymena on 0845 600 8000.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.