Christmas is the time of year when some people choose not to act kindly toward others. We were made aware of a likely business scam and ask everyone to be wary.
It seems that a person called at a house in Chelford and asked the occupier if they wanted to have their gutters cleaned. The idea was attractive and the work was offered a very fair price. The householder accepted and the work was begun.
On completing the work, the householder was shown a video of a broken roof tile, damage to the sarking felt and loose ridge tiles. This raised the suspicion of the occupier as they had recently engaged a roofer to carry out some repairs. The workman said that the repair would cost £600 if the householder had to call out a roofer. Instead an offer was made to do the repair immediately for £150. The householder declined.
The householder, on becoming increasingly suspicious, called a number on the workman's sweatshirt, in order to check out the business. At this point the workman appeared to panic and drove off without receiving payment for the work done.
The usual advice applies: never buy anything at the door. If an offer appears too good to be true, then it probably is. The householder reported the incident to the police.
If you are at all suspicious of dishonest practices, please alert Cheshire Police by calling 101. Calls to 101 cost 15 pence per call from landlines and mobiles – no matter how long you're on the phone.