AN elderly woman is the latest victim of rogue traders targeting the Forest after she was conned out of more than £5,000.

Police advise residents to be on their guard after receiving a number of reported incidents in the past few weeks in Cinderford, Newnham, Hewlesfield, Yorkley and Lydney.

Only at the weekend police said it received a call from an elderly woman, from Cinderford, who had been conned out of more than £5,000.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police said: “Two men came to her door and offered to replace the flat roof on her garage ‘as it could have been causing damp’. They gave her a quote and asked her to transfer the money, which she did.

“The men then left saying they would be back in a few days to begin the work but failed to return, only leaving a bag of sand and cement on her driveway. They claimed to be from a company called ‘Unique Roof and Driveway Restoration’ and drove a burgundy coloured van.”

In a separate incident last Tuesday (October 11) in Hewelsfield, men caused damage to a resident’s roof while completing work. They then increased their quote, but the victim refused to pay any more money. The victim contacted this company after seeing a newspaper advert.

On Friday, September 23 a man approached properties in Yorkley and Lydney and tried to persuade elderly homeowners to have their roof tiles repaired. They became suspicious and called police. He was white, in his 40s, with an Irish accent, of a medium build, with dark hair and wearing overalls.

He drove a green estate car carrying a ladder on its roof.

A further incident happened in Newnham on Saturday, September 10 when a man offered to pressure wash the homeowner’s driveway. A price of £200 was agreed and the victim paid him £20 as a deposit. He failed to return and complete the work.

We do not want any other homeowners falling victim to rogue traders, so please follow our crime prevention advice.”

Police say:

•Take advice from family, friends or reputable traders to check if the work really needs doing

•Avoid any cold callers who may turn up or ring unexpectedly or unannounced offering to carry out repairs

•Only use reputable workmen recommended by family and friends or those who have worked satisfactorily for you before

•Always obtain at least three quotes and make sure the quote is in writing

•Keep back part of the cost until the repair job has been satisfactorily completed. This will provide an incentive for the trader to complete the job or put right any problems.

If you suspect a rogue trader, call police on 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.