Two arrested over ‘Irish roof scams’ in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs
Two men, who were allegedly operating what officers called “Irish roof scams” in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, have been arrested in a series of dawn raids.
Law & Order
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Police arrested two men, who were allegedly operating what officers called “Irish roof scams” in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, in dawn raids yesterday.
Detectives from the Eastern Region Crime Squad and officers from the Australian Border Force, executed a series of warrants as part of Operation Gentium, an investigation into alleged deceptions relating to travelling conmen.
ELDERLY DUPED OUT OF THOUSANDS IN ROOF RUSE
It is alleged the two men illegally obtained $260,000 from one victim and used the funds to buy high-end Rolex watches and designer clothes.
Police raided properties in Bedford St, Hadfield, and Lae St, Heidelberg West. A 28-year-old man, of Hadfield, and a 29-year-old man, of Heidelberg West, were arrested.
“This investigation demonstrates the lengths police will go to find the people involved in these types of crimes and the partnerships that we have with other law-enforcement agencies,” Acting Inspector Scott Dwyer said.
“These strong relationships allow us to apprehend people even when they are outside Victoria.
“We know that travelling conmen predominantly doorknock or letter-drop homes and businesses offering to do maintenance and repair work, such as asphalting, roof cleaning/tiling, painting or tree lopping.”
Police have offered advice to people in a bid to stop them falling victim to similar scams.
“If you want work done on your property, we ask that you don’t just use a flyer to make a decision, make sure you shop around for more than one written quote,” Acting Insp Dwyer said.