Elderly woman’s roof damaged by suspected fraudsters, police warn of swindle

Roof. (FILE IMAGE)

A roof was damaged by suspected fraudsters, according to city police.

On Saturday, officers with the Barrie Police Service were notified by a concerned citizen after he observed two men on his elderly neighbour’s roof.

The concerned neighbour told police that the odd duo appeared to be doing work that may not have been authorized.

Raising a suspicion, the neighbour went up onto the roof, noticed that the shingles had been damaged near a vent, and later learned that his suspicions were correct.

Continuing his statement, the neighbour told police that he observed the suspects trying to force the homeowner to sign a contract.

Fortunately, the woman didn’t sign it, and the men left.

Officials encourage those who have parents who are older to share this information with them and to remind them not to sign a contract in any form that involves home repair or renovation without engaging their children first.

“Barrie Police wish to acknowledge that the neighbour who observed something that appeared to be suspicious taking place across the street from his home acted in an incredibly protective manner. In this case, they were aware that that homeowner’s adult sons were not present, and what was observed was not only out of character but was likely an attempt to take advantage and defraud his neighbour,” stated the service in a Monday release.