A PENSIONER has been duped into handing over cash for work that was not carried out by a bogus caller.

A man knocked at the elderly man's home, on Pemberton Street, in Hetton-le-Hole, claiming he had done work to his guttering.

A small amount of cash was handed over to the caller on Tuesday, April 29, between 4pm and 8.20pm.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “The same man returned to the address later in the day saying he would carry out some gardening work at the address.

“The pensioner again handed over a small amount of cash.

“It was later discovered that no work had been done to either the guttering or garden.

“Officers are treating the incident as fraud and are asking for anyone who saw the man in the street or who may have received a similar caller around the same time to come forward.”

The caller is described as white, aged in his 40s or 50s, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins tall, and clean shaven.

He spoke with a local accent and had a tattoo of various colours on his right temple.

The spokesman added: “People are being reminded to be wary of unexpected callers at their home, particularly those offering work cash in hand with no official ID.

“Anyone who is suspicious of any caller should ask them to come back when they have a relative with them and never give them access to their home.

“Any suspicious activity should always be reported to police.”

Anyone who recognises the man or noticed any suspicious activity should contact police on 101, extension 69191, quoting log number 854 30/04/14, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.