A WILBURTON villager handed over almost £35,000 to bogus tradesmen who called at her home to carry out work over a seven month period. The men replaced fascia boards which promptly fell down and started work fitting four double-glazed windows. But, althou

A WILBURTON villager handed over almost £35,000 to bogus tradesmen who called at her home to carry out work over a seven month period.

The men replaced fascia boards which promptly fell down and started work fitting four double-glazed windows.

But, although they never finished the jobs, their 46-year-old victim, who lives alone and has medical problems, handed over cheques and they searched her home stealing other items.

Now police have issued a warning to people to be on their guard against doorstep callers claiming to be legitimate tradesmen offering to carry out work.

The elaborate con started when a woman called the victim's home asking her if she had any money. Twenty minutes later the men arrived offering to carry out the work.

Both men are described as white, aged around 35 and about five feet six inches tall. One was of medium build with long, black curly hair and had a Yorkshire accent.

The other was well built, with ash blonde curly hair, a beer belly and spoke with a Suffolk accent.

Ely Police detective constable, Gary Loth, warned residents: "Always obtain three independent quotes from reputable companies before embarking on any work. Never employ tradesmen who come calling a the door.