DOORSTEP crime in Bexley is being targeted after two pensioners from Welling and another from Sidcup were hit.

Bexley Trading Standards and Bexley police are working together to remind local banks and building societies to look out for signs a vulnerable customer may be a target.

These include large attempted cash withdrawals to pay for building or other similar work.

A 72-year-old woman from Welling was almost conned out of her £240,000 home by a trader she first hired to remove some shrubs and trees for £200.

He then began telephoning her constantly and purchasing various items for her, including a puppy.

The conman eventually persuaded the victim to sign her house over to him if he completely redecorated it for her but luckily the papers were never signed.

In another case an 81-year-old man was quoted £200 by a rogue trader for some tree work but the price later rose to £2,500.

Bexley Trading Standards was alerted by the man’s bank after he requested the amount be withdrawn.

The conmen were later caught and arrested after leaving the victim’s front door open and removing just one branch from a tree in the back garden, but the case was dropped as the victim did not want to give evidence.

An 80-year-old dementia sufferer from Welling was also nearly conned out of £2,000.

All three cases happened in the last year.

Bexley Borough Commander, Superintendent Peter Ayling, said: "We want to send a clear message that those traders who do not operate within the law will be targeted by the authorities and we will continue to work closely with the council, banks and building societies to crack down on the criminals who are taking advantage of some of our most vulnerable residents."

Find out more about the What Tradesman? listing scheme protecting against rogue traders at bexley.gov.uk/whattradesman or ring 08454 04 05 06 if you think you or a neighbour have been targeted.