3 November 2011

Beware the fake plumbers

| johnboy
Join the conversation
4

ACT Policing is warning the public after a number of elderly people were scammed by a man posing as a plumber in parts of Canberra recently.
On October 13, a male described as 5’8” tall, aged in his 50s, medium build, olive skin and Caucasian in appearance attended an address in Hughes. The unknown male told the 90-year-old female occupant of the home that he was there to check the drains. The male asked the woman to flush the toilet, shortly after which the male left and the woman noticed a sum of money missing from her wallet.

Last Friday (October 28), a man described as Caucasian in appearance, aged in his 50s, balding hair and about 6 foot tall with a large build, attended an address in Torrens. The man identified himself as ‘Mark’ from Canberra Plumbing and advised the 68-year-old wheelchair-bound occupant that he needed to check the toilet. The man was invited into the woman’s home and after claiming to have fixed her toilet, asked for a fee for his services. The man took a large sum of cash from the victim’s wallet and left the address.

Officer in Charge of Woden Police Station, Sergeant Steve Hogarth, said there have been other incidents in recent weeks where members of the public, particularly the elderly, had been scammed.

“As recent as Monday, an 88-year-old Chifley resident was approached at her home by a man who claimed he was there to check the sewerage. The man was invited into the woman’s home and while there, has stolen a sum of cash from the victim’s purse,” Sergeant Hogarth said.

“If someone knocks on your door and you don’t know who they are, do not let them into your home. Talk to these people through a locked security door and if you’re unsure about their motives, ask them to leave. If they won’t leave, contact the police,” Sergeant Hogarth added.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your area you should call police on 131 444. If you have any information that could assist police with an investigation you should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the website at act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

[Courtesy ACT Policing]

Join the conversation

4
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

The “Granny Basher” of the 90s would be the right age, height and description but I can’t believe he would be pulling the same scan after spending 15 years in prison for similar crimes. Unless he really is the biggest fool that ever was.
He was pretty violent. He upturned an elderly man’s wheelchair and shoved a hat into his mouth to silence his screaming for help and angrily threatened to bash a woman in her home in Pearce with the telephone receiver to stop her from calling the police.
He was not a Canberran. He was from Newcastle (where he previously committed similar crimes) and lived in rented flat in Turner. He only committed the crimes in locations he was familiar with so 16 out of the 18 crimes he was tried for occurred within 2kms of his home in Turner and only two in Pearce (where he had rented a place before moving to Turner).
He pretended to be from “The Water Board”. I suppose, not being a local, he didn’t realise we only have ACTEW here.
Perhaps he’s out of Goulburn and working the Woden area this time?
I hope not. He really was a scumbag of the first order.

MO of the “Granny Basher” of the 1990’s he was released recently

I almost feel like doing a Captain RAAF on people like this, and then seeing how they get on in a wheelchair. I know that’s wrong, but this is just appalling. The victims’ whole view of the world would be affected.

Gee, you’d have to be total scum to be scamming disabled and elderly people.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.