POLICE have issued a warning after a resident from the Lechlade/ Fairford area fell victim to a drainage scam.

The resident received a telephone call from a company called National Drainage who asked if they had a drain in the garden as they would need to access it when carrying out work in the area. 

However, no work has been carried out in the area since the call and the number provided on the business card doesn't connect.  

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: The business card given to the resident The business card given to the resident (Image: Glos Police)

If you have experienced a similar incident, the police would like to hear from you.

Information can be given to the police by completing an online form on the Gloucestershire Police website quoting incident 367 of 16/10/23.

Officers from the Fairford and Lechlade Neighbourhood Policing Team have offered the following advice to prevent more people from falling for these type of scams.
 
- Always ask for identification before letting anyone you don't know into your house
- Check credentials, including a permanent business address and landline telephone number. The mobile phone numbers    given on business cards are often pay-as-you-go numbers which are virtually impossible to trace.
- Take control by asking the questions, for example ask for references from previous customers or to see examples of their work.
- Don’t sign on the spot - shop around first and get at least three written quotes to make sure you’re not being ripped off.
- If in any doubt, ask the person to leave or call Citizens Advice.
- Ring 101/999 if they become aggressive or refuse to leave. 

The information comes from a community alert - police are unable to accept reports of crime through Neighbourhood Alerts.