Builders beware bogus contractors

Construction site workers should be wary of people posing as builders, emphasised by recent incidents.

A Surrey building site was left at risk when two men entered the site impersonating workmen. They had stated that they were there to collect a lorry. When the site manager questioned their motive they just sped away.

The men were wearing high-visibility jackets and white hard hats when they entered the site but removed them when they fled.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Kerry Whindle said:

“Our fear with this type of theft is that unscrupulous conmen may use the stolen items to add credibility to artifice offences.”

The issue of cowboy builders is escalating and the number of people falling victim to their devious scams is increasing.

However, it is been rare for a builder to be fooled. There are expensive tools and materials available on a building site and letting the wrong person on could have serious repercussions.

“It is important the community, including residents and anyone legitimately in the construction trade, is aware of these kinds of offences so we can prevent anyone being ripped off by a bogus builder.”