PCSOs help restore fraud victims' garden

Plymouth police rolled up their sleeves to lend a hand to two retired nuns who have been repeatedly conned by rogue traders for shoddy home and garden work.

Gemma Summers, 70, and Rachel Wadding, 76, handed thousands of pounds to cold callers this year on the promise that they would carry out a range of work at their Leigham home.

In one instance they were charged around £3,500 for poor work to renovate a front door and porch and in June two men cold called and asked for £500 for minor work without finishing the job.

In July they were defrauded by a man who took a £200 cash deposit to clear their back garden but never returned to complete the work as promised.

Detectives and police community support officers were so touched by the women’s story they decided to lend practical help to finish the work started by the rogue traders.

On Wednesday Plymouth PCSOs Jess Brown, Sarah Phillips and Tony Thorp visited the women’s home while off duty and spent several hours clearing their garden.

PCSO Jess Brown, who came up with the idea alongside investigating officer Detective Constable Pete Riley, said: “PCSO Thorp and I made an initial reassurance visit to the ladies when the offence happened and have called again a couple of times over the months to see how they are doing.

“It was clear from talking to them that they had given a lot to their community as former nuns and midwifes at Derriford Hospital; they were very trusting people and never thought a crime like this would happen to them.

“Gemma and Rachel’s story touched us so we decided to volunteer to clear their garden for them. The access to their lower garden was a bit unsafe through being overgrown and the fencing was insecure but we managed to sort it all out.

“They were really very appreciative of what we did for them. They said that they had never really had any involvement with the police before but this was definitely a very positive experience.

“We would also like to thank Weston Mill Recycling Centre for allowing us to use their service and for providing us with big bags for the garden waste.

Police are currently investigating all three crimes at the property.

PCSO Brown added: “Offenders of these types of crimes prey on the good nature and vulnerability of their victims. They do so without conscience and the impact of their actions extends far beyond the financial loss incurred by the victim.

“We would ask the wider public to be aware of this type of crime and to recognise that if things don’t feel quite right, not hand over any money. Genuine businesses will not ask for cash up front and will not take offence if you ask to speak to a friend, relative or neighbour to make sure that you are not being conned.

“If someone asks for cash up front then alarm bells should start to ring. If the person starts demanding money, offers to take you to a cashpoint or becomes aggressive then you should telephone 999 straight away.”

For further help and advice on how to protect yourself against doorstep crime: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/crime-prevention/your-home/doorstep...