Appeal to trace men in connection with a fraud offence

Police are appealing for witnesses and information in connection with an offence of fraud by false representation which occurred in the Harwood Road area of Watford on the morning of August 20. The victim, a man in his 50s, agreed to have a tree removed and another thinned out by two men claiming to work for a tree surgery company. When they arrived he paid £800 and went back into his house only to find that just a few minutes later the men had left having only cut three branches of one tree. The first suspect is described as a white man, aged in his late 20s, 6ft 1ins tall, of medium build with short mousey/light brown hair. He was wearing a light blue short sleeved t-shirt, black combat workman’s trousers and boots. The second suspect is described as a white man, aged in his early 20s, 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build, with short black straight hair and clean shaven. He was wearing a dark blue short sleeved t-shirt, black combat workman’s trousers and boots. The vehicle they were in is described as a white tipper truck. Enquiries to locate the men have since been completed and at this time they have not been traced. Officers are keen to hear from anyone who can help to identify them, or anyone who has any information which would assist with their inquiries. The victim had initially made contact with the men after a leaflet was placed through his door at the end of July/beginning of August and officers are also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the men or the vehicle in the area then. Anyone with information should please contact the Herts Police non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number C1/15/3926. Alternatively contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court.