Older residents in Sydney’s inner west are being urged to remain vigilant following the exposure of an alleged roofing scam targeting the elderly. Police are currently seeking information to identify individuals involved in a scheme that nearly cost a local woman tens of thousands of dollars.
Details of the Sydenham Incident
On March 3, a 73-year-old woman in Sydenham was approached at her home by a man claiming to be a roofer. The man told the woman that her apartment complex required urgent repairs to the roofing.
After persuading the woman to let him inside, the man is believed to have accessed her personal financial details. The following day, he returned and drove the woman to her local bank.
Under pressure to pay for the purported repairs in advance, the woman provided the man with a cheque for tens of thousands of dollars. Fortunately, she later cancelled the cheque and reported the matter to the police.
Suspect Descriptions and Police Search
Investigators have released CCTV footage of a man who may assist with their inquiries. He is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 180cm tall and aged in his 40s or 50s.
Police noted the man has a distinctive accent, possibly Irish. When last seen, he was wearing blue jeans, a black t-shirt, and a black hat.
Authorities believe the suspect drives a white van and is accompanied by a second man, described only as being of Caucasian appearance.
Preventing Future Scams
Detective Inspector Benjamin Kennis, crime manager for the Inner West Police Area Command, warned that scammers specifically target older people by demanding large sums for unnecessary operate.
He recommends that anyone approached for home repairs should verify that the contractors are correctly licensed. These credentials can be checked through Service NSW or NSW Fair Trading.
Inspector Kennis further urged older community members to avoid letting strangers into their homes or accompanying them to banks. He advised involving trusted family members when dealing with such requests.
Potential Next Steps
Police may be able to identify the suspects if members of the public recognize the man from the released CCTV footage. Further investigations could reveal if other residents in the inner west were targeted using the same tactics.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers online at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ or by calling 1800 333 000.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the alleged scammer gain the victim’s trust?
The man claimed to be a roofer and told the 73-year-old woman that her apartment complex needed urgent repairs.
What specific physical characteristics does the primary suspect have?
He is a Caucasian male, about 180cm tall, aged in his 40s or 50s, with a distinctive, possibly Irish, accent.
What should you do if a stranger asks for money for urgent home repairs?
Police recommend checking the person’s license via Service NSW or NSW Fair Trading, involving trusted family members, and refusing to let strangers inside your home or accompany them to financial institutions.
Have you or your loved ones ever encountered unexpected requests for urgent home repairs from strangers?
