ELDERLY residents are being warned to be aware after a man in his 80s by targeted by a fraudster.

The elderly man, who lives in Broadway, was approached on Tuesday, December 6, by a man who said he was doing work locally.

The workman asked if he wanted the moss on his roof clearing and he agreed, but when the elderly man returned, he saw his driveway had been jet washed.

The workman asked to be paid for this and cash was handed over.

Then, the following morning the workman returned to request payment for removing the moss from the roof.

The elderly gentleman said he did not have the money on him and would need to go to the bank.

While police were conducting patrols in the area, a neighbour made them aware of the incident and they spoke with the elderly gentleman.

No further money was given.

The workman is described as white, approximately 50 years old, quite thick set and around 5ft 8in tall.

He was wearing a multi-coloured hat and a light coloured jacket at the time.

Sergeant Nicholas Doyle said: "We are urging members of the public, particularly those who are elderly, to be vigilant against potential fraudsters.

"Without the actions of a kind neighbour, this incident - although distressing for the gentleman involved - could have been much worse.

"Officers have heightened regular proactive patrols in the area and have carried out talks and meetings with elderly residents regarding fraud and identity theft.

"We also continue to remind people of the actions they can take to help prevent themselves, neighbours or elderly members of their family from becoming victims.

"They include not answering the door to people you don't know, and not agreeing to have work done unless you are sure the person is from a reputable company.

"If you have any concerns, take their name, details and a contact number and call to check their authenticity. A genuine worker should always be happy to provide this.

"It is important to remember Broadway is a low crime area but people with elderly relatives or neighbours are advised to be on their guard and help us by reporting any incidents of suspicious behaviour.

"If you are unfortunate enough to be the victim of a crime, please inform police as we can only help if we are aware of it."

Anyone with information about this incident can call West Mercia Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously, quoting incident number 329S of Dec 7.