POLICE are urging householders to be on their guard after an elderly York woman was duped out of £200 by bogus workmen.

The incident happened as a spate of other bogus callers were reported from across the city.

The woman parted with cash when two men offered to replace a hedgerow in front of her house in Danebury Drive, Acomb.

Telling her they would return to build a fence, they took the money and ran.

In Mansfield Grove, York, a youth claiming to be a window cleaner demanded cash from one resident who recognised him as an impostor. The youth is described as 5ft 6in, of slim build, wearing dark clothing and a baseball cap.

And in Troutsdale Avenue, Woodthorpe, a man was reported touting for work, described as aged in his 20s, with short, brown, thinning hair.

Acting Detective Inspector Phil Roberts advised residents to challenge any callers and, if in doubt, contact the police.Story goes here

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.