A WARNING has been issued after rogue traders conned an elderly woman out of £2,000 in Stroud.

At around 11am on Tuesday, July 5, two men knocked on an elderly woman’s door in Upper Springfield Road advertising their gardening work.

They agreed a price of £350 for them to trim the hedge and mow the lawns.

This work was carried out to good standard so the elderly victim then asked if they could tarmac her drive.

A price of £3,000 was agreed and the victim gave £2,000 as a deposit.

Since then, this work has never been completed and the mobile phone number she was given has been switched off with no answerphone facility.

The first man is described as white, in his late 30s, around 5 foot 7, with short dark, curly hair, clean shaven, of a thin build and had a thin face.

The second man was white, in his 50s, around 5 foot 10, of a ‘rounded’ build, clean shaven and had mousy hair.

They arrived in a white transit van described as ‘tatty’.

Police do not want any other homeowners falling victim to this scam, so have issued the following crime prevention advice:

Take advice from family, friends or reputable traders to check if the work really needs doing.

Avoid any cold callers that may turn up or ring unexpectedly or unannounced offering to carry out repairs.

Only use reputable workmen recommended by family and friends or those who have worked satisfactorily for you before.

Always obtain at least three quotes and make sure the quote is in writing

Keep back part of the cost until the repair job has been satisfactorily completed.

This will provide an incentive for the trader to complete the job or put right any problems.

If you suspect a rogue trader, call police on 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.