Essex farmers warned over pothole repair scam
© NFU Farmers across north Essex are being warned to stay alert after a spate of aggressive scams in which criminals posing as road workers demand huge sums for work farmers never asked for.
According to the NFU and Essex Police, at least six incidents have been reported in the Colchester and Tendring areas in the past two weeks.
The scammers arrive unannounced on farms or call ahead claiming to be “informing them about roadworks being carried out and forthcoming road closures”.
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After a brief conversation, they offer to fill potholes on farm tracks using “materials left over from a job earlier in the day” for just £50.
But once on site, they carry out additional work without consent and then issue demands for up to £12,000, backed by threats of violence and damage to property and machinery.
PC James Nickless from Essex Police’s Rural Engagement Team said: “We are aware of several scams being reported at rural locations in Colchester and Tendring in recent days.
“These scams involve an offer of roadworks and/or a dumping of material on properties, followed by intimidating and threatening demands for payment.”
He added that patrols have been increased and that the investigation “is ongoing and is progressing”.
Multiple reports
The NFU reports cases across Colchester, East Bergholt, Great Bentley, Horsley Cross, Great Horkesley and Wix. Police are also appealing for sightings of a white Iveco tipper truck, described as a vehicle of interest.
Issuing this advice to farmers, PC Nickless said: “Do not hand over any money, reach out to us and provide as much information as possible.”
Essex Police are encouraging farmers to report all suspicious activity via the force website, its 24/7 Live Chat service, or by calling 101. Anyone feeling immediately threatened is urged to call 999.