(Release from Langley RCMP)
We’ve had quite a bit of wind lately and there will likely be some folks out there needing repairs to their property, whether that be siding, roofing or perhaps fencing.
Recently we had an instance where two men posed as roofers and entered the residence of an elderly man. They told the homeowner they were ‘looking for leaks’. In reality, they were looking for something to steal. In this particular instance, they were successful and stole $3000.
Langley RCMP would like to offer the following tips should an unsolicited tradesperson arrive at your residence offering to do work:
DO NOT ALLOW UNKNOWN PERSONS INTO YOUR RESIDENCE!
- Determine the employer / company and contact them to confirm he / she is, in fact, representing their agency (look up the number yourself – don’t let the tradesperson give you a phone number to call)
- Require that he / she produce identification and certification of training in his / her particular trade
- Require that he / she provide references to the quality of his / her work (any reputable company would be happy to provide references
- Contact the references
- Attend to inspect previous work
- Require that he / she provide a detailed estimate in writing & obtain several estimates to compare prior to selecting one tradesperson
- Do not pay for services in advance
- If a deposit is required, work out a payment schedule in writing
- Contact the Better Business Bureau to validate the company name and confirm they are a company in good standing.