Scam victim felt like 'biggest fool on the planet'

A man who had £12,000 in cash stolen by bogus tree surgeons said he felt like "the biggest fool on the planet".

The man, who is in his 70s and does not want to be named, said he invited the men into his Liverpool home after they suggested he needed work carrying out in his garden.

During the two hours they spent in the property on Brodie Avenue in Mossley Hill, the trio distracted their victim before going upstairs and stealing the cash.

Merseyside Police described it as a "a despicable abuse of trust".

Det Sgt Hannah Noakes said the victim had been left distressed by the theft.

She urged anyone who had seen anything in the Brodie Avenue area at about 14:00 GMT on 30 December to contact the force.

"To enter the home of an elderly person under false pretences and steal money while they are distracted is a despicable abuse of trust," she said.

"Bogus officials cause untold harm with their actions."

Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside, the man recalled: "When they had gone I realised the money had gone.

"I felt angry and I still do. It made me feel like the biggest fool on the planet."

He said he had kept the cash to pay bills including new glasses and dental work.

"I've got to start thinking how the hell I can pay all my bills," he said. "I want the police to catch them but I suspect my money will be long gone.

"My advice to anybody else who gets a knock on the door from supposed tradespeople like this?

"Keep them out of the house, do not let them in."

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