Police are reminding residents to be wary of bogus tradesmen, after an 87-year-old woman was conned out of £300.

Three men knocked on the pensioner’s door in Brookway, Rainham, on February 27 and told her they would trim a tree for £30.

After failing to do the job properly, they then asked her for £400.

She gave them £300 and said they would come back for another £100 later.

A spokesman for Havering Police is advising residents to:

-Treat every stranger with caution.

-Think before you open the door – use a chain and spyhole or look out the window to see if you recognise the caller.

-Ask callers for proof of identity – genuine tradesmen will carry an identification card with a photo on.

-If in doubt, don’t let the person in. Ask them to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return.

Residents worried about someone at their door should call 999. Anyone who has information about the con in Rainham should call police on 101.