Cruel con artist targets pensioner in tree work scam

The suspect called at the home of the 75-year-old victim in Fair Lane, Robertsbridge, at 1pm on Saturday (November 24), offering to cut down a tree in the garden.

The victim paid him £50 cash but as he opened a side gate, the man went into the kitchen and stole a purse containing cash.

He left saying he would get some paperwork, but never returned. He drove off into a blue coloured estate vehicle. The con-man is described as white, aged 30, 6ft, of muscular build with short, dark coloured hair. He was wearing a green coloured coat and grey flannel trousers.

Detective Constable Christopher Varrall said: “We are appealing for witnesses to the incident and want to hear from anyone in the Robertsbridge area who may have answered their door to a man offering gardening work. Phone Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 0778 of 24/11. Always use a chain on your door if you are answering to someone you don’t know and don’t be afraid to ask to see some ID which you can look at properly. If in doubt, don’t let them in.”