A couple in their 80s have been conned out of more than £1,000 by bogus workmen.

Officers are urging residents to check the identification of callers after the elderly pair from Worthing were scammed.

Two men turned up at their Frobisher Way property in January and asked if any work needed doing around the house.

The couple agreed to allow them clean moss from the roof and they returned to do the work the following day.

However, after handing over £1,300, the couple discovered that two ladders had gone missing and the moss had been scraped into their guttering.

PC Sharon Moore said: "This couple have given the money over before being satisfied with the work and it seems they may been targeted because of their age.

“Make sure you always get documentation and paperwork whenever any kind of work has been agreed and check the identification of anyone who knocks on your door out of the blue.

“Anyone who is genuine will be happy to give you their details. If you are not convinced the person is genuine or do not feel comfortable about the situation, never hand over any money and report it to police on 101 or trading standards.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 quoting serial 0365 of 7/2.

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