Asphalt gang sparks warning from police (From Gazette & Herald)

Asphalt gang sparks warning from police

EAGLE-EYED residents in a Ryedale village helped the police to warn off con merchants.

Members of an asphalting gang were touting for business in Old Malton, asking for money up front then saying they would return to do the work.

Ryedale community safety officer PC Terry Triffitt said several suspicious residents used their Neighbourhood Watch contacts to get in touch with Malton Police.

"When the police got there the officers soon realised the two men they apprehended were known to them and they were able to warn the neighbours," he said.

Although the bogus callers had not taken any money, the swift action of the residents prevented any crime being committed, said PC Triffitt.

One female resident, who lives alone and was approached by the men but who asked not to be named, said: "It was a very upsetting experience. When I talked to my neighbour, who'd also spoken to the men, it turned out they'd given us both very different stories about themselves.

"They even told me they'd got approval from Ryedale District Council to work in the area."

Stuart Pudney, head of trading standards for North Yorkshire County Council, said it was not the first incidence of asphalt gangs touting for business in Ryedale.

"We've had other calls about similar gangs from the Malton area this week and the public have to realise that there are no bargains to be had from doorstep salesmen," said Mr Pudney.

He said that once anyone had handed over money during a doorstep transaction it was very unlikely that they would get it back.

The issue of bogus callers is a top priority for Safer Ryedale, the community safety partnership.

It has commissioned the production of 5,000 contact cards, which will offer advice to vulnerable residents on what to do when strangers call at the door.

Trained staff will distribute the cards and explain to residents how they can guide people through the process of checking that officials and other callers are who they claim to be.

Safer Ryedale hopes the cards will give local people confidence to turn away anyone they fear may be trying to con them.

Updated: 11:49 Monday, October 27, 2003