Police in Downpatrick are appealing for information after an elderly member of the local community was forced to withdraw money from her bank account.
Detective Constable Catherine McVeigh said: “The woman, aged in her eighties, reported to police that two men arrived at her house requesting money for work they said they carried out. She told them she was not in possession of the amount they were asking for, so she was taken to a bank to remove the money from the account.
“Bank staff became suspicious and no money was handed over. While she was in the bank the men stayed in a van, which is blue in colour and either a Citroen or Peugeot with a roof rack.
“We would like to speak to anyone who was in the area of Market Street and Irish Street in the town around ten minutes to four on Wednesday August 6 and saw this blue van and the two men inside it.
“Any information may help identify the culprits. We would also call on all members of the community to report any incident like this.
“If you feel you are being coerced into paying for any work against your will or in a manner that makes you feel intimidated please call 999.
“Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact detectives in Downpatrick on 101. Or if someone would like to pass information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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