AN ELDERLY blind man was tricked out of £160 by a bogus doorstep caller offering to repair his roof.
The 81-year-old was conned by a trickster who knocked on his door in Beddington Lane and said he would charge £40 to quickly repair loose roof tiles.
He ended up handing over £160 from his emergency cash supply after letting the conman inside and trusting his claim that the loft was wet and extra work needed.
But he called police after the caller disappeared with the cash, and officers who checked upstairs said there were no leaks.
The victim's blindness meant he was unable to fullly describe the trickster, but he told police he had identified himself as Gavin from 'The Plough, and had a local accent.
Police are investigating and want anyone with information to get in touch.
A Sutton police spokesman said: "While the vast majority of companies will be genuine, police are urging residents who want improvement work carried out on their homes to check out any companies and obtain references from previous customers - before agreeing to any work.
"Most reputable companies will be happy to supply such information."
Anyone with information that could help police should contact Sutton Police station quoting ref no: 4005729/14.
Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Visit: www.sutton.gov.uk/ssts or call 020 8770 5070 for details of Sutton council's scheme to help residents avoid bogus traders.
