Rogue Trader Caught Targeting a Pensioner in Maidstone

Suspected rogue trader arrest – Maidstone Officers have arrested a man following a report that a suspected rogue trader was defrauding a Maidstone pensioner. On Saturday 11 August 2018, Kent Police was called after a man in his 60s reported he had paid a large amount of cash for building works at his home address and had now been asked to withdraw more money from his bank account. Plain clothes officers attended the address where they investigated the allegation and later arrested a 48-year-old man from Canterbury on suspicion of fraud. He was subsequently bailed to return to the police station on Tuesday 14 August. Detective Sergeant Marc Cananur of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: ‘While we are investigating this incident, I would like to remind people how they can protect themselves in their own home. ‘Avoid using tradespeople who call at your house unexpectedly and offer to complete work or repairs. ‘If you have any doubts about whether a caller to your home is genuine, ask them to leave and come back at a time convenient to you and when you’ve had a chance to ask someone to be with you. ‘Before allowing any work to be carried out, it is best to obtain a quote or get a second quote from a recognised company. ‘Do not pay anyone for work before it is carried out, and certainly never go to the bank to draw out cash if a lift is offered by the people who knock on the door.’ ‘Anybody who is pestered by unwanted cold callers should advise them that contact will be made with Trading Standards and if necessary the police.’