ACT Policing is warning the community that a driveway number-painting scam is again operating in Canberra after an incident over the weekend resulted in an elderly lady being defrauded.
Around midday on Sunday, October 16, a man approached the back door of an elderly woman’s house in Watson and was invited in by the woman. The man offered to re-paint the house numbers on her driveway in exchange for cash. The woman handed over some cash to the man, who then left without performing the work.
The man is described as Caucasian in appearance, aged between 30 to 40 years old, approximately 178cm (5’10”) tall and spoke with an Australian accent.
There have been similar incidents reported to ACT Policing previously, and police are urging the community to be alert for any suspicious behaviour in their neighbourhood.
Superintendent Mick Calatzis said there are steps people can take to reduce the chances of being scammed.
“Always check the credentials of sales people when they come to your door. 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,” he said.
Anyone who may be able to assist police with the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the website at act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
Further information on home and personal safety can be found in the Home and Personal Safety Guide.
'No reason we need to wait': ACT Greens demand faster start date for light rail stage 2B
Martin do you have a source? Or was it something you heard from your friend who’s son plays rugby… View
ACT Greens tell landlords to pay for the tram, it's part of their affordable housing tram policy ...… View
They should heritage-list those bridges. Canberra is not designed for high-density living, and they… View
Need some help up front? Build-to-rent complex offers four weeks' free rent
Interesting to see ACAT case when a tenant argues unfair rent increase from 0 to full amount above… View
We need these developments in suburban shopping centres - much better to increase density that keep… View
Albo, the APS, and Australia Day
Most important national day MECO? My ancestors who lost their lives in overseas conflicts would be… View
If you don’t observe ANZAC Day and don’t have urgent operational requirements it’s a bit… View
Federal Golf Club course revamp approved but with many conditions
Application flawed: Wrong demographic (try addressing needs of homeless), wrong housing (try social… View
Selling off part of the farm to cover the financial incompetence of the Board. The fundamentals are… View
What a surprise, NIMBY public servants (or more likely retired) oppose development - better to live… View