Elderly people in Wickford are being fleeced by cowboy builders who even duped one vulnerable woman out of her holiday savings.

They have struck three times this week in St David's Way and have so far got away with more than £100.

They were first seen on Monday at the home of a woman in her late 70s.

They turned up in a red Transit van and a white Transit pickup truck both with writing on the sides, and told her they were passing builders.

They convinced the woman she needed work done on her roof and quoted a fee of £225. She agreed, but told the men she didn't have that amount to hand.

The bogus builders spent only five minutes on her roof, dabbed on some concrete and took £100 - all the cash she had on her.

On Tuesday they targeted another elderly woman living on the road. She ended up paying them £15 out of cash she was saving for her holiday.

The next day they struck again, returning to the house of their original victim. They told her they wanted to check on the work they had already carried out.

By now, the woman was wise to them and called police, although officers were unable to get to the scene before the bogus builders left.

PC Geoff Whiter, community liaison officer for Wickford, said: "Our concern is these people are targeting the elderly and vulnerable.

"We want to remind people that reputable firms would not come around knocking on the door claiming a roof needs repairs," he added.

"We would advise residents who think work does need to be done to contact three recognised companies and ask for quotes before making a decision. They can also ask neighbours, friends and trading standards officers for advice."

A check was run on the vehicles' number plates but they are not registered to any owner.

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