A WINDOW cleaning scam that has targeted elderly residents across north Swindon even managed to dupe a councillor for the area.

Coun Justin Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads) was tricked out of almost £100 by the soapy scamster and is eager to make sure other residents don’t fall into the same trap.

Justin, who is also the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for North Swindon, was one of many who was tricked by the con man into paying for a year’s contract to clean his windows and repair his gutters.

Justin said: “This man used to be my window cleaner years ago then he came round offering window cleaning, gutters cleaned or fixed.

“He was offering a package for £99 all inclusive for a year. I asked him to do my guttering and then paid him the money.

“So I am one of the lucky ones, because at least I got something for my money. A lot of other older residents have been taken in by him “It is absolutely disgraceful that he has targeted a number of elderly residents in the area.

“I would urge any resident who has come into contact with him to get in touch with the police to help them build a stronger case so he can be prevented from doing the same thing to other people.”

The same man is believed to have targeted a number of other houses – leaving a receipt but failing to turn up to complete the work. Contact details for his bogus company have proved to be false.

PC Troy Smith, of the Swindon North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who has been approached by him and especially anyone who has given money but had no work done.

“We believe he has worked over quite a wide area as we think he has also been active in Chippenham.

“We want to build as much information as we can about this person so any information would be welcomed.”

PC Smith said that a man had been arrested but was now on bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Smith on 0845 408 7000.