Police forces are on a mission to track down a rogue contractor who allegedly swindled thousands from a client.

The incident in question allegedly took place at an address on Crombey Street, in Swindon town centre on the 9th of January according to Wiltshire Police. A rogue contractor is understood to have knocked on a  homeowner’s door to inform her that she had a damaged roof, and that he could carry out the repairs for her.

It is alleged that the woman, who is in her 80s, is thought to have agreed to pay the man £250 to carry out the work, before the rogue trader allegedly left on the promise to return later with his colleagues to complete the work.

A white van arrived half an hour later and three men, including the original trader, inspected the victim’s roof. It was then revealed to the victim that the repairs would, in fact, cost £5,500.

The woman allegedly handed over £4,000 and the men left the scene by 3:30pm that afternoon. It is claimed that, the men pledged to come back 20 minutes later with a receipt for the work, however they failed to do so.

Wiltshire Police is now looking for the three men in connection with the incident; the first is described as white, in his late 20s, of slim build, with dark brown cropped hair, and has a Lancashire accent.

The second man is described as white, slim build, in his late 20s, and was seen wearing a grey woolly hat, while the third man is white, of chubby build, in his late 50s and with a slight London accent.

All three men were wearing a navy blue jumper with ‘Roofing Contractor’ printed on it.

Wiltshire Police have carried out door-to-door enquiries and they urge anyone with information to call PC Claire Davidson on 101, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Investigations into this incident are ongoing.