Man arrested in Washington on suspicion of fraud after selling cleaning products to pensioners at inflated prices

On Sunday, January 24, officers were alerted by a member of the public that a man had been knocking on doors in the Oxclose area of Washington, attempting to sell cleaning products to elderly residents.

It is understood that a 90-year-old woman had handed over £40 for two products, which had a combined value of less than £5, prompting police to launch an investigation to locate the seller.

During a patrol in the local area, officers located a 24-year-old man on Bracepeth Road who was found in possession with a bag full of cleaning products.

He was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and has since been released on bail.

Chief Inspector Paul Walters has praised the officers for the quick arrest and is urging families to be vigilant against these type of scams.

He said: “This was a case of good old-fashioned policing after a member of the public rang in and alerted us to suspicious activity in their neighbourhood.

“After speaking to a number of residents in the area, we found that our suspect had knocked on the door of a 90-year-old woman who was living alone, and who he had convinced to hand over £40 for cleaning products that were worth nowhere near that value.

“Within a matter of minutes, we had set up a patrol plan across the area and soon enough we located a man who we suspected to have been involved in the doorstep scam. He was detained and brought into custody, with enquiries ongoing into the incident.

“I would ask that the public please make themselves aware of this type of scam, and talk to your loved ones – particularly those who are elderly or who may live alone.

“Fraudsters often prey on the most vulnerable in our communities and will go door-to-door trying to secure a quick win.

“They can be very persistent and persuasive when at the door of somebody who is elderly or vulnerable – so I’d urge caution and vigilance.

“If someone turns up at your door unannounced and is acting suspiciously, do not hand over any money, say you are not interested and lock the door."

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