Tricksters promised two householders a bargain kitchen floor - then disappeared with nearly £1,000 of their money.
Police have issued a warning after the bogus trio struck twice in Colchester yesterday.
The crooks first knocked on a door at about 10am in Silcott Close and offered to install some laminate flooring, left over from a job they had been doing nearby.
They persuaded their victim to hand over a £275 advance payment, but did not return as promised to carry out the work.
Then, at 11.15am, they repeated the scam in Ipswich Road, this time making off with £700.
The three men drove off each time in a panelled van.
One, who claimed to be the foreman of the group, is described as aged between 50 and 60, 6ft 3ins and of large build, with short hair.
Of his accomplices, one was about 6ft tall and tubby, and wore shorts, a red checked shirt and sandals.
The other was about 5ft 11ins with brown hair, and wore a denim apron and dark trousers.
Information to Colchester police on 01206 762212
Published Wednesday August 4, 2004
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