Doorstep criminals using “protection against virus” claim to target the vulnerable

Police are urging people to be on their guard against doorstep criminals offering to clean driveways with disinfectant which they claim will protect against Covid19.

The warning comes after an elderly couple in Holywell were targeted by two men who demanded £500 for cleaning their driveway. When the men were challenged by other family members they left.

The suspects were travelling in a white Ford Transit van with a yellow stripe along the side and an orange light on the roof.

They handed the couple a leaflet entitled Unique Landscapes and Driveways, which outlined the type of work they claim to carry out. The leaflet was illustrated with photographs and registered to a unit on Dock Road Connah’s Quay.

One man was described as in his 50’s with ginger-blond hair and spoke with an Irish accent. The other man was in his 30’s with dark hair and a dark beard.

Last week a Wrexham care provider also highlighted to Trading Standards an attempt to carry out driveway work at the home of an extremely vulnerable lady under their care.

Fortunately, the care provider who had been on Op REPEAT training was able to intervene and prevent this work taking place. Without this intervention this lady may have been hundreds of pounds out of pocket.

Lawrence Isted, Chief Officer Planning and Regulatory, said: “During these difficult times it is important to remember that business should not be making approaches to your home to carry out work on your property or garden.

“It is a good reminder to watch out for your families and neighbours during this time and report anything suspicious using the details below.”

Community Safety Sgt Ali Sharp said; “There are some unscrupulous people using the terrible Covid19 outbreak to scam vulnerable members of our community.

“I would ask families and neighbours to look out for the vulnerable and for residents not to engage with cold callers and to report any suspicious behaviour to the police on 101.”