Police hunt bogus gardener who fleeced Wakefield pensioners

The man demands payment for his services up front and promises to return later to carry out the work before disappearing.

He has defrauded four victims out of a total of more than £120.

PC Rob Wadsworth, of Normanton police, said: “We believe that each of these incidents is connected and that this man is specifically targeting vulnerable members of the community.”

The first incident happened on Cypress Street July 19, when the conman got away with £60.

Three further offences took place on Priory Court in Ossett on the same day - September 23 - when householders lost between £20 and £30.

PC Wadsworth added: “It is important that people remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour of this nature.

“We have made numerous enquiries. However, we need the assistance of the public to help us trace the individual responsible.

“There could potentially be others who have been approached by this man and we need to know if this has been the case.”

The fraudster is white, aged 40 to 50, between 5ft 2ins and 5ft 5ins tall and stocky and has an Irish accent.

Anyone with information should contact the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.