Thatcham elderly targeted by fire extinguisher trickster

A scammer trying to rip off elderly victims in Thatcham with a phoney fire extinguisher scam has had his fingers burnt.

The trickster was targeting a mobile home estate with a high proportion of elderly residents in Thatcham.

The scammer was cold calling at residents’ mobile homes, advising that by law they required a fire extinguisher within their home – and charging £250 to purchase one.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) and West Berkshire Council’s public protection team visited 77 mobile homes in the area, providing residents with information regarding the free ‘Safe and Well’ checks offered by the fire service and advice and guidance on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a scam.

The RBFRS advise that residents in mobile homes should have a fire extinguisher, but it is not law. Fire extinguishers, which meet British Safety Standards, can be bought from various local retailers or online for under £20.

Lee Dillon (Lib Dem, Thatcham North East), executive member for public safety at West Berkshire Council, said: “Doorstep scammers are on the rise, often targeting our elderly and vulnerable residents.

“We therefore need to support each other within our neighbourhoods and contact Trading Standards if you notice cold callers knocking on doors.

“We also need to be cautious when answering the door and politely decline any services being offered.

“Remember if it’s out of the blue, it’s not for you.”