Warning: Bogus tradesmen targeting Derry homes

Local people have been advised to be on the alert.

The person targeted provided money to a man who claimed he was there to carry out maintenance work.

Housing Executive West Area Manager Avril McAllister has called on local people to take note of the incident.

“Our staff were made aware of a bogus caller offering to carry out maintenance work at a property, including the cleaning of guttering and gardening work,” she said.

“An up-front fee was demanded for the completion of work and unfortunately the tenant involved was duped into paying a deposit to the bogus caller.

“Our tenants should always ask to see identification from any callers claiming to be from the Housing Executive.”

Ms McAllister said all genuine Housing Executive staff carry identification, and their identity can be verified by calling the phone number printed on the pass.

“If they are in any doubt, they should contact their local office or indeed the police,” she said, adding:

“Housing Executive staff will never ask for payment from tenants at the doorstep for upgrade of maintenance work.”

For more information, click online at www.nihe.gov.uk.