Warning over rogue traders after incident in Northamptonshire

The incident happened around lunchtime on Wednesday, February 24, when a man called at house in Admirals Way in Daventry, offering to repair guttering.

He came back later with a four or five other men, however, the homeowner had changed her mind. He then offered to cut back the trees in her garden, which she agreed to.

The homeowner paid in cash and was then told it would cost £100 more to finish the job and dispose of the waste. The man pressured her for the money and offered to take her to the bank, which she refused. When he came back a short time later, the homeowner’s grandson was there and asked for a business card. The man said he would get one from the van but left without doing so and did not return.

One of the men is described as white, about 5ft 9in, with a stocky build. He was in his late 30s and had short, dark, wavy hair and a local accent. A second man is described as white, about 5ft 11in, in his 30s. He had very short receding ginger hair and some teeth missing. The van they were in was white with a long wheel-base.

Anyone who may have seen the men in the area or have any information about the vehicle they were in, or who may have been approached in a similar way, is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Officers are advising people never to open the door to unexpected callers or to buy goods from or have work done on their home or garden by people who call at their door. For more information about rogue traders and other doorstep crime, visit www.northants.police.uk/lookout.

Anyone who has suspicions or concerns that rogue doorstep traders are operating in their neighbourhood or targeting someone they know, can call 101 or the dedicated doorstep crime number on 0345 23 07 702. For Trading Standards advice, call the Citizens Advice Consumer Hotline on 03454 04 05 06.