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]