Officers stepped in and prevented an elderly man being fleeced of £7,000 by a gang of rogue builders.

The men posed as workmen and called at the home of their 68-year-old victim on Shirley Road, Acocks Green , earlier this month.

The cowboys claimed they could ‘repair his roof’ and returned several times to take more money from him for ‘materials’.

Shirley Road in Acocks Green

Eagle-eyed staff at the victim’s bank - Natwest- raised eyebrows at the number of transactions being made from his account and alerted the police.

The bank prevented £4,000 from being taken from his account on Tuesday (October 29) while West Midlands Police officers stopped the victim of being fleeced of £7,000 in total.

They have launched a fraud investigation and are appealing to the public to be wary of people who are calling round claiming their gutters need clearing leaves and other work needs carrying out, this time of year.

A force spokeswoman said: “Police are investigating a fraud after a 68-year-old man had cash taken from him by a group of four men who called at his address in Shirley Road in the Acocks Green area of Birmingham this month.

“The group pretended to be workmen who could repair his roof and returned several times to demand more cash for materials.

“Officers were informed after the bank became suspicious about the number of withdrawals the victim was making.”

Force Response tweeted: “ Stechford A Unit officers managed to help an elderly gentleman avoid handing over up to £7000 to rogue traders for roofing work not required. @NatWest_Help helped prevent £4000 being taken today before officers arrival.”

Enquiries continue and anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.

To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote crime reference 20BE/255358P/19.