An elderly Nantwich man conned out of £350 cash by rogue traders for ‘thinning out’ a small holly tree.
Now Nantwich Police are warning residents in the town to be aware of the two men after the incident in the Millfields area.
A neighbour of the victim, who contacted police, told Nantwichnews: “They knocked on his door and asked if they could take some of his holly for Christmas wreaths.
“They then announced his holly tree needed ‘thinning out’ for which they would have to charge.
“He asked how much, and they said they would work it out.
“They then knocked on his door again and said they had done the work and it would be £350 – and he paid them!
“They stripped the foliage and dumped the branches – along with a huge pile of someone else’s cherry prunings.
“So beware of a white van and offers of tree or garden work!”
Police said the incident happened at around 3.20pm on Tuesday (November 29).
A Nantwich Police spokesman said: “A resident alleged they had been significantly overcharged for garden work that had been completed to an unsatisfactory standard.
“The incident is being investigated and a crime report has been filed with Action fraud.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind all residents to be vigilant in relation to this type of incident and to be wary when work is being offered.
“Remember… Never agree to have work done by somebody who is just passing or take their word that it needs to be done at all.
“Never pay for anything before any work is done. Never accept an offer from them to drive you to the bank to withdraw money.
“If you think work needs to be done then get quotes from other local traders and ask friends and relatives for a recommendation.”
Anyone who sees any suspicious behaviour of this type, should contact Cheshire Police via 101.
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