Residents in Ashford are being urged to remain vigilant against rogue traders following the arrest of a teenager in connection with a suspected fraud investigation.
The incident unfolded on the morning of Friday 15 May 2026, when Kent Police were called to the Lloyds Bank on the High Street at approximately 10:30 am. Banking staff became suspicious after an elderly customer requested to withdraw a substantial amount of cash, prompting them to alert the authorities.
Subsequent enquiries by attending officers revealed that a couple in their 70s had been approached at their home by a man offering unsolicited roofing services. The suspect allegedly informed the homeowners that previous repairs on their roof were inadequate and insisted that urgent remedial work was required. He then quoted several thousand pounds for the additional work, driving one of the victims to visit their local bank branch to withdraw the cash.
Police patrols immediately deployed to the victims’ residential address, where they arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of fraud. The suspect has since been released on conditional bail while detectives continue their investigation.
Kent Police are appealing to the public for assistance and urge anyone with relevant information that could aid their enquiries to contact them on 01843 222289, quoting reference number 46/77146/26.
Inspector Sarah Williams said:
‘While this incident is being investigated I would remind homeowners to remain vigilant about who they allow to complete work at their homes. Always be cautious if somebody knocks at your door unexpectedly and offers to carry out repairs, and only agree to any work if you are confident it is needed and that you can trust the person who is carrying it out. It is also good practice to get several written quotes first.
‘Don’t allow anyone to pressure you into agreeing to have work carried out. If you ask them to leave and they don’t, contact the police. Don’t ever go to a bank or cash machine with a trader; legitimate traders would never do this.
‘If you believe you, a member of your family or a neighbour have been targeted by a rogue trader then please report it to us as soon as possible so we can take action to protect other people from financial harm.’