An elderly woman has been defrauded of her savings after four men carried out gardening work at her Sidcup home.

Police are appealing for information and witnesses after an 80-year-old woman was approached on her doorstep in Blackfen Road by four men who claimed to be from a company called 'The Oakdale Tree Surgery' from Sutton-at-Hone.

They stated that her garden needed to be tidied up and her trees needed to be pruned.

The pensioner agreed to the work being carried out, but did not agree a fee.


After the work was carried out, the men took the pensioner to her bank on Blackfen Road and asked her to withdraw £2,900.

The suspects, who drove a white livery vehicle, are described as white and in their 20s.

Detective Constable John Wills, from Bexley CID, said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or may have information about four men claiming to be from a company called 'Oakdale Tree Surgery' from Sutton-at-Hone. Any information will be treated in the strictest confidence."

He added: "We would like to ask residents to be vigilant. If anyone approaches you on your doorstep, please check their credentials and don't let them put you under any pressure to agree on work to be done immediately - if they are from a reputable company, they won't mind waiting a few days until you have made a decision. Ultimately, if you are concerned for your safety please call 999."

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or DC Wills on 020 8284 9236