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Residents in Yateley are being advised to be on their guard against rogue traders after they targeted an elderly couple on Friday, July 3.
At around 3pm, the couple, who live in Cricket Hill Lane, were contacted by two men who advised them that they needed repair work done to their chimney.
The 74-year-old man was coerced into a Black Renault Megane and taken to Barclays Bank in Yateley where he withdrew a large sum of money, which he handed over to one of the men.
When he returned home, he discovered no work had been done to his chimney.
The first man is described as:
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White
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Aged in his mid 40s
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About 5ft 8ins
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Fat build
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Dark complexion
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Wearing a dark collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and dark grey trousers
The second man is described as:
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White
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Aged in his mid 20s
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Tall – over 6ft
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Long face with a pale complexion
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Light brown hair and long sideburns
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Well spoken
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Wearing a short sleeved T-shirt, fawn coloured knee length shorts and dark brown suede boots
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Seen in a white transit, short wheel base, double can van with a low roof
PC Graham Robson, from the Priority Crime Team, said: “This is a particularly despicable crime where these men have deliberately targeted vulnerable people and duped them out of a substantial amount of money.
“We believe these people have committed similar crimes in other areas of Hampshire and are conducting a number of enquiries to try and catch them before they target others. Do you recognise their descriptions, or the description of the transit van? If so, please contact us.
“These types of crimes not only cause severe financial harm to their victims, but also have a huge emotional impact too. Many are not aware of the seriousness of the incident until much later and are often too embarrassed to tell their friends and family what has happened.
“We are warning all residents, especially the elderly and vulnerable, to never agree to any work being carried out unless you have checked that it is a reputable company. Make sure any work and prices agreements are written out in the form of a contract before anything is carried out.
“Dealing with unknown callers can be intimidating but there is help available if this happens to you. If you have any concerns, contact the police or Trading Standards and don’t let anyone into your home you do not know and trust.”