POLICE are investigating an incident where an 80 year old Isle of Wight woman handed over £220 to two suspected rogue traders. 
Two men were seen on Meadow Way in Sandown yesterday (Tuesday) at around 10am. 
The victim agreed to pay the men £100 to clean her conservatory and gutters after they knocked on her front door. 
The two men later presented the woman with a bill for £220 which she paid in cash, stating she felt intimidated.
One of the men was described as small, the other as ‘chunky’.
A 16 year old boy from Warwickshire and a 20 year-old man from Wales were later arrested on suspicion of committing fraud by false representation in relation to the investigation. 
They have been released from custody, but remain under investigation.
Anyone with information, or who saw anything suspicious, in the area can contact police staff investigator Laure Taylor at Newport Police Station by calling 101 quoting 44170286286, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.
The police have since issued crime prevention device: 
  • Always check the credentials of unknown callers. 
  • Never employ cold-calling doorstep traders or engage with cold callers on the phone. 
  • Consider joining or setting up a No Cold Calling Zone or Neighbourhood Watch scheme. 
  • Report any suspicious callers or activity to the police immediately. 
  • Keep an eye on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, friends and family.