Alert Market Harborough bank clerk helps nab rogue trader

An alert bank cashier in Market Harborough has helped police arrest a suspected rogue trader in the town.
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Police

The trader allegedly tried to con an elderly man out of £3,000 for roof repairs at his town home that were not needed.

But a suspicious bank clerk called in the police.

The fraudster had first called on the retired man’s home in Burnmill Road, Market Harborough, last Friday (March 4) and told him his roof needed repairing. In fact, no work was required.

The anxious householder visited his bank in Market Harborough to withdraw £1,500 to give to the alleged fraudster.

Then on Monday this week (March 7) the suspected rogue trader was back, telling the elderly man that he needed another £1,500 before he could start the work.

The elderly man visited the town bank again - but this time a suspicious cashier at the bank questioned the retired man and then contacted the police. A suspected rogue trader has since been arrested by Market Harborough police in the town.

Pc Malc Roberts, based in Market Harborough, said: “This incident only came to light after diligent work from a local bank in Market Harborough.

“When the elderly man visited to withdraw a large sum of money from the bank for the second time in four days, the cashier questioned him, and after consulting her manager, called the police in.”

One man has been arrested, but police suspect there was more than one man involved.

Anyone who saw suspicious activity on Burnmill Road should contact the police.

Police believe the elderly man was visited twice by suspected rogue traders - on Friday, March 4 at about 2.30pm, and on Monday, March 7 at around 10.30am.

Members of the public with any information should contact Pc 1149 Thomas on 101.

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