Good morning

An elderly lady, who lives on her own in Castleford, was the victim of a bogus workman on Wednesday 23 January at 3:30pm.

The suspect claimed that he had started to do some work on the roof and she owed him £120 and it would be an extra £30 to finish the work. He went to the rear of the property and then returned to the front door to ask for a glass of water. The victim went into the kitchen and on returning to the front door the male suspect had left. The victim then noticed that her purse, containing a large amount of cash, had been stolen from her handbag which was located in the living room.

The suspect is described as a white male, late 40’s, light coloured hair, working trousers and spoke with a local accent.

Please remember – You don’t have to let anyone into your home. Always check the ID of the person at the door and don't be afraid to make checks via a phone call with the company/organisation that the doorstep caller is claiming to be from.

Don’t do business on the doorstep. Use a recommended, trusted trader.

Take a look at our advice Bogus Traders | West Yorkshire Police

Please remind relatives/neighbours/friends to be aware of this type of scam as bogus workmen prey on the vulnerable and try to obtain cash through deception.