March 14, 2017
Police are warning residents – especially the elderly – to be on alert for two conmen travelling in a vehicle with Victorian registration.
The two men, who have Irish accents, have allegedly scammed elderly residents in Ipswich and Deception Bay recently.
They are also suspected of being involved in incidents at Warwick and near Caboolture.
The men claim to be road workers and negotiate a price to conduct the work on the spot.
However, they fail to complete the job and then threaten residents for payment.
The latest incident occurred on Friday, March 10, about 11:30am when two men attended a Deception Bay home in a white utility full of gravel.
When the 78-year-old male resident told them he wouldn’t pay until the job was completed, an argument ensued. The men then allegedly restrained and searched him before stealing about $1500.
A police spokesman said there have been at least four linked offences reported to police over the past the week.
Police have released images of two men from an incident at Ningi and a serious assault on March 8 in Warwick.
One of the men is described as being older with a heavy build, around 175-180cm tall with short red hair and an Irish accent.
The second man is described as being younger with a muscular build, around 180-185cm tall, having short black hair and an Irish accent.
Both men were seen wearing fluoro work vests, dark trousers and work boots.
They are believed to be driving a white Mitsubishi Triton with Victorian registration 1FH-5ZV.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Michael Hogan of Moreton South CIB said the scammers were travelling door-to-door and preying on elderly people who may have trouble maintaining their homes.
“You should be wary about anyone that tries to convince you to hire their services on the spot,” Det Acting Snr Sgt Hogan said.
“According to the Office of Fair Trading, genuine door-to-door traders must give you a cooling off period of 10 business days to change your mind, not take any money during the cooling off period and not begin any service during this time.
“We are urging members of the community to be aware of this scam and to report any suspicious activity to police.”
