Rogue traders overcharge for work and steal thousands from elderly Eastbourne couple’s home

The cash was stolen from their home in Priory Avenue while substandard work was being carried out on some trellis fencing on Monday (February 24).

On top of stealing thousands-worth of cash from their home, the culprits then charged the couple £1,900 cash for the shoddy work.

After this incident, residents are being warned to be aware of individuals carrying out sub-standard work or overcharging for it following the recent windy weather.

Detective Constable Elliott Lander said, “Please do not get involved with cold callers offering to carry out work. Keep them out and if anxious dial 999.

“We’d also like to hear from anyone else in the local area who has been approached out of the blue recently by men with a van who offer to carry out work of any type.

“You can contact us online or by calling 101, quoting serial 298 of 24/02.”

For further advice on how to protect yourself against such unwanted visitors see the Sussex Police website.

Police say a 62-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, and burglary.

After being interviewed, the man was released under investigation, police said.

Enquiries are continuing.