NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch groups are warning residents to be on their guard against door-to-door conmen. Co-ordinators from schemes in Rhyl and Prestatyn have come across callers offering to help residents with five-minute gardening or DIY jobs and then demanding as much as £80. Another pair of men offered to mow someone’s lawn for £170. "We have also received reports from local coordinators of workmen calling at houses offering to carry out work with materials supposedly left over from a job around the corner," said Darran Gardner from Park View, Prestatyn and Meliden NHW. "Employing people like this is extremely risky as you have no guarantee and at best a mobile number from a pay as you go telephone." On one occasion the victim was told to get the money from the cash machine whilst the perpetrator waited at the house. The unexpected early start to the warm weather has meant residents have begun jobs outside earlier and unscrupulous tricksters have taken advantage of this. "Even an 0800 number can offer little comfort. They can be linked to a mobile number. One company we came across even used the address of a similar, but innocent company on their business cards. A couple of months later identical cards were delivered door-to-door with a different name and mobile number. "If you think work needs to be done obtain two or three quotes from other companies or ask a friend to recommend someone. Never pay before work is carried out." Mr Gardner added: "We must stress that most workmen will be genuine and we don’t want to stop local legitimate tradesmen carrying out their business but residents should be aware of cold callers pushing them into having work done." Neighbourhood Watch is also warning residents to guard against distraction burglaries, a problem exacerbated by the good weather meaning householders are leaving windows and back doors open. "Before you answer the door, stop and ask yourself if you are expecting anyone," said Sgt Jonny Hill of Prestatyn. "Check you have locked the back door and taken the key out. If you decide to open the door, use a chain or door bar." Sgt Graham Talbot from Rhyl added: "If the caller states they are an official from a utility company or medical profession etc, ask them for ID and check it, not by a number on the ID card but independently from a utility bill or from the phone book." | 
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