Police appeal after vulnerable Hartlepool pensioner charged ‘excessive amount’ for gardening work

Officers investigating the suspicious incident say that on Thursday, May 13, between 12pm and 4pm, two men in a van knocked on the door of the elderly man and asked if he wanted any gardening work doing.

It is understood that the two men completed a very small amount of gardening work before charging him what police say is an “excessive amount” and telling the elderly gentleman that they would return in a few weeks.

The pensioner, who is vulnerable due to his age and health issues, is reported to live in the Throston Grange area of Hartlepool.

Cleveland Police are keen to hear from any witnesses or nearby residents who may also have been approached by the men or possibly may have seen their van.

Anyone in the area with private CCTV is also being asked to check their systems to see if anything has been captured.

Officers are using the incident to remind members of the public about the risks of accepting work from those going door to door and are encouraging people to use trusted firms or individuals who are recommended and verified.

If you have any information relating to the incident that could help officers with their inquires, then Cleveland Police are asking you to get in touch by calling 101 and quoting reference number 077130.

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