Rutland Police have warned residents about a scam in which money is demanded following the laying of tarmac or gravel outside the victims' homes.

Following a series of reports of this going on in the local area, the local policing team have urged residents to call 999 if they feel they are being scammed.

Victims of the scam are being forced or threatened to part with their hard-earned cash following resurfacing works undertaken by the perpetrators. The scammers have been demanding cash after undertaking the work without permission, or have hugely increased the cost after completing the work.

A spokesperson for Rutland Police said: "We are seeing an emerging scam in recent weeks whereby people are laying gravel/tarmac before then demanding large sums of money for the work completed.

"They then receive calls from unknown person who will offer the service at a cheap/reasonable price. After the work is then completed they will increase the amount owed to an unreasonable amount.

"As part of the issue, threats are being made against people and property, which is clearly going to put people in fear.

"We want to reassure you that we are looking into the issue and working hard to put an end to the scam. For this to happen we need people to be resilient and to contact the police if they become a victim."

There is a significant financial risk to any victim of this crime, as well as the stress involved. As such, residents are encouraged to report this scam to the police straight away using the emergency number, 999.

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The team added: "Do not pay the scammers any amount of money.

"Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious circumstances to the police.

"If you believe that you have been a victim of this scam in the past then please have the courage to report the incident to the police via 101, Online or via Crime Stoppers. Any information passed to the police will assist in prosecutions and putting an end to the scam."