Stroud District Council is issuing a warning about cold callers after a number of incidents have been reported.
In one, a vulnerable elderly Stroud District Council tenant was visited at home in the evening by two women claiming to be from the council, who said that work was needed to be carried out on their garden.
This has been reported to police who are investigating, and SDC’s Neighbourhood Wardens are increasing patrols in the area.
Further reports have been made of cold callers offering to carry out garden work, some in the aftermath of the recent storms.
Councillor Chris Brine, Chair of Stroud District Council Community Services and Licensing committee said: “Council officers always carry ID, and if they are carrying out work on our stock of council houses will only do so after first making an appointment by phone or letter.
“Reputable tradespeople rarely knock on doors and offer their services unannounced. I would urge anyone who is approached in this way not to agree to buy goods or services on the spot, either over the phone, or on your doorstep.
“If you have elderly or vulnerable relatives or neighbours, I urge you to pass this message on.”
A list of professional tree surgeons can be found at www.trees.org.uk and professional landscapers can be found at www.bali.org.uk
If you think you have been targeted by a scam or fallen victim to fraudsters, you can report it to the police at www.gloucestershire.police.uk
If you suspect a crime is in progress please contact the police on 999.
