POLICE have issued an EFIT likeness of a man they want to speak to after a rogue trader took money from an elderly man in Claydon earlier this month.

A man called at the victim’s home in Edinburgh Gardens between 5pm and 5.30pm on Wednesday, May 12 claiming to be a builder. Believing he was a genuine caller the elderly man let him in.

The offender asked for cash up front for carrying out work, which the elderly man gave him.

He told the elderly man he would return to carry out the work at the weekend but did not come back, and was not linked to the firm the elderly man believed he was working for.

The man is described as white, 5 ft 11ins tall, in his late 30s, of muscular build with short dark hair and was wearing jeans and a jacket, he spoke with a local accent.

Detective Sergeant Darren Bruce said: “This is a despicable crime, deliberately singling out an elderly and vulnerable gentleman who was trusting enough to take this man at his word.

“This gentleman moved to Suffolk from a busy city for a quiet retirement and I’m disgusted that he has been targeted in this way.

“Officers are carrying out a number of inquiries including issuing this EFIT likeness to identify the rogue trader, and support and crime prevention advice has been offered to the gentleman.

“The impact of rogue traders’ actions on their victims can far outweigh any financial loss, with dramatic effects on quality of life and confidence.

“Anyone who thinks they are being targeted by a rogue trader or distraction burglar should not let the caller in and dial 999 immediately.”

Anyone with information on the incident should call DS Bruce at Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.