Isle of Wight Woman Scammed of £700 in Shoddy Home Job
Police are hunting two conmen after a 71-year-old Isle of Wight woman handed over £700 for gutter repairs — but the job was never finished.
Fake Handymen Strike on Hillcrest Road
The duo showed up at the woman’s door on Hillcrest Road, Rookley, at around 10:30am on Tuesday 23 May, offering to clean her gutters for a small fee.
After starting the work, they claimed the gutters and roof tiles needed replacing. The victim paid a £700 deposit. The men removed tiles and guttering — then vanished without a trace.
They left behind a card for “JD Home Improvements.” Police now want to track down these tricksters.
Descriptions of the Suspects
- Both white men, in their twenties.
- First man: Over 6ft tall, short shaved hair under a white baseball cap, dark polo shirt, and dark trousers.
- Second man: Around 5ft 10in, stocky build, dark curly hair, wearing boots.
Police Issue Warning to Residents
Officers urge locals to be wary of cold-callers offering home improvements. “Never hire doorstep traders or deal with cold callers over the phone without checking credentials,” they said.
Residents are encouraged to join or start No Cold Calling Zones or Neighbourhood Watch groups. Report any suspicious activity immediately.
Keep an eye on elderly or vulnerable neighbours who might fall prey to scammers.
What To Do If You Have Info
If you spotted these men or have any information, call police on 101 quoting reference 44170193887. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
In an emergency, always dial 999.
The Isle of Wight Council Trading Standards team are available for advice at 01983 821000 or via their website.
