Would you call the police?

[Sas]

Hi
Back story_At the end of last summer my elderly and very frail dad had someone knock on the door wanting gardening work. My dad let him do the postage stamp back garden (to save me a job) . The man basically just dug up all his plants and charged him £200! Obviously I told dad never to let anyone do any work or into the house as they could be anyone. The man came back the following week wanting more money but dad sent him on his way.
On Friday my brother went to see dad and this man was standing in his kitchen! My brother questioned him and he left. According to dad he asked him for money to clean his windows. He was intimidating and aggressive. Dad is 5 foot 2 about 5 stone and 83, he is doing well to still be in his own home. This man had followed dad into his house uninvited. I am so worried I don't know what to do. Also there was a carrier bag tied to the railings on dad's front wall.
I thought maybe I should log it with the police? I have told dad never to open the door again to this scumbag and if he gets aggressive to phone the police.
What would you do?
Thank
Sas

[Pottermouse]

I would definitely call the police.

Is dad part of a neighbourhood watch sceme? My mum is and only last week they left a message to say that 3 people were pretending to be from the water board. So any information that you could give to them would be helping others too.

[tocpe321]

100% phone the Police.

At the very least this man is harassing your Dad and would get a warning. If he continues he would be liable to arrest. There may be other offences.

[JudyC]

Oh your poor dad, what horrible people there are Yes I'd certainly ring the police, and also make trading standards aware by ringing your local council. They may have had more reports in the area, and could get your local newspaper to print a warning about this man.

[katiebaz]

Yes most definitely call the police, it is likely your dad is not the only person he is scamming and they might be able to look out for this man or warn others too.

So sorry to hear this, I really hate hearing about scummy people taking advantage of vulnerable people. Hope your dad is ok x

[sam7]

Yes 100% call the police, £200 for a bit of gardening work was criminal on its own and who knows how much he is scamming out of other more susceptible people. Please do it now.

[loves2plan]

Definitely phone the police. Also remove the bag if you haven't done so already as it could be a signal to gangs of this type of thug about where vulnerable people live.

[Mexy02]

Yes , I would have done it after the first visit tbh. And yes remove the bag . Has your dad got a chain fitted on the door? Hope he's ok xx

[chrisxal]

Also let your local Age Uk know they will circulate warning to other elderly people in the area.

[Mr Tom Morrow]

Agreed, ring the Police and Trading Standards.

This type of incident will be dealt with 'long term' by a PCSO who will also monitor the situation and target harden the surrounding area by advsing neighbours etc.
In the interm-
Chain for front door.
Neighbourhood Watch.
Get a sign off E Bay ''No cold callers'' and put it by the door bell.
Check/renew exterior door locks.
Do a sweep of his house to check/secure valuables.