A BOGUS trader tricked a 95-year-old woman into giving him money at her home after pretending he was there to do work. 

On Saturday at around 11.50am a man in his 30s knocked at the door of the 95-year-old woman's home in Sutton Park Drive and told the elderly occupant he was there to "do a job".

She didn't know what he was doing in the house but he then asked for £40, which she gave him before he left.

In two other  incidents nearby on the same day, a man offered to clean the gutters at a property on Denbigh Avenue at 12.30pm and then again at 1pm in New Street. He was sent away on each occasion and the police were called.

Officers believe the incidents to be linked and are looking for a man aged around 30 to 35, with blonde or brown hair, who was carrying a ladder with him.

St Helens Trading Standards office has been informed and is also investigating the incidents.
Police are warning residents to be aware of suspicious activity.


Inspector Matt Drennan said: "It is a despicable crime to prey on the elderly in this way and we would warn residents to be wary of anybody who turns up at their home unsolicited and offers to do work.

"Any legitimate trader or workman will carry formal identification and won't mind being asked to prove who they are.

"My advice to residents is not to allow anybody into their home unless you are certain of who they are and that they are there for a legitimate purpose.

"If in doubt, don't let them in.

"I would also urge communities to look after their elderly and vulnerable neighbours, look out for people acting suspiciously and report them to police.

"At the same time I ask that anybody who thinks they know who this particular individual is to come forward and help us take him off the streets and protect our community."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.