Rogue trader warning after 'really nasty' attempt to scam pensioner into roof repairs

POLICE are warning residents to be wary of rogue traders after two called at an elderly Totton resident’s home and insisted he needed his roof repaired.

The incident took place in Ringwood Road, Totton, on Monday afternoon after the men arrived in a white Transit-type van. Despite the resident advising he had no issues with his roof, the pair insisted it needed repairing.

Cllr David Harrison, who represents Totton on the town, district and county council, said he had received a call from the resident about the “really nasty" attempt to scam him.

He added: “Despite the fact that he had never seen either of them before, the two thugs suggested that his roof needed some repairs and that he had previously agreed this was the case. Fortunately, he stood up to them and declined to let them bully him.”

A spokesperson for Totton Police wrote on its Facebook page on Tuesday: “Please be mindful that even in our current situation, we still have rogue traders knocking on doors and offering their services. The occupant has been reassured and this has been reported to Trading Standards.”

Those with any information about the incident or has been visited by a rogue trader should contact police on 101 or report it online.