POLICE ISSUE ADVICE AFTER FRAUDULENT ‘GARDENERS'


POLICE are issuing advice for people to be on their guard from fraudulent ‘gardeners' in Hemel Hempstead after an incident in the Bennetts Ends area.

It is alleged the incident happened at about midday on Thursday November 5. Offenders, believed to be two men, put fertilizer on the front and back flowerbeds of a property on Hill Common. They then knocked on the front door of the property demanded hundreds of pounds from the elderly resident, claiming her daughter had asked for the work to be done.

The woman handed over the money before the men made off in an unknown direction without giving a receipt.

They are described as two white men aged about 40 to 50. The first man is about 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall, with a stocky build and wearing a red jumper. The second man was slightly smaller in height and of skinnier build, wearing dark clothing.

A blue tipper truck, believed to belong to them, was also observed on the road at the time.

PC Matthew Cann, investigating from Hemel Hempstead Neighbourhood Team, said: “This won't be the first time that these people have tried this.

“Whether you have been only approached, have had a similar incident or saw anyone acting suspiciously at the time of this incident, I would encourage you to get in touch.

“Your information could be vital and help ensure the offenders do not get away with targeting vulnerable people in this way.

“We would also encourage residents to follow the simple crime prevention advice we are issuing.”

Police are advising:
• If you hear someone at your door, regardless of whether you are expecting someone or not, check who it is before you open it. Remember, at this stage if you have any doubts don't open the door, you can always ignore the caller.
• If you open the door, use a door chain.
• Find out what the caller wants and don't feel pressurised.
• Always cheque a caller is genuine. Genuine callers always have an identity card and are happy to wait as long as it takes while you check their identity, and their companies encourage this.
• The increased vigilance of neighbours, friends and family of the elderly or vulnerable is important to prevent such crimes occurring and in helping the police to catch these criminals.
• Never pay for work upfront, even if the callers claim they have already done it and they are very demanding. Always ask for contact details to check with their company they are genuine and any family member who they claim has authorised the work.
• You can always take a contact phone number for them and say you will call them back, rather than have them standing at the door.
• Pay by check. Genuine workmen will be happy to work this way and a cheque can always be cancelled if you are still in doubt having made some phone calls.
• If in doubt, you can also phone police on non-emergency number 0845 33 00 222.
• If you suspect a crime is in progress or if you see something suspicious - ring 999.

Anyone with any information on this crime should ring PC Cann via the non-emergency number 0845 33 00 222. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers (an independent charity) anonymously on 0800 555111.

November 2009