Police urge vigilance after increase in solar panel scams

POLICE are urging residents to remain vigilant after a spate of solar panel scams in Perth’s south east.

The Cannington police district has reported an increase in the number of door-to-door scams in recent months, with many offering non-existent deals on solar panels.

They say the conmen are even so bold as to immediately climb on the roof and start the drill.

Fremantle Police District community engagement coordinator acting sergeant Stephen Flanagan said they wanted residents to stay vigilant around unsolicited sales pitches.

“They’re offering solar panel installation, so they’re probably going to ask for personal details, which could lead to bank accounts, and you don’t want to be giving them anything at all,” he said.

“Just like other scams they’re offering false stuff to try and get your details and try to get you to sign something, but they’re not going to install anything.

“The scam will stop if you say no and see you later.”

He said there were steps local homeowners could take to avoid becoming victims of such a scam.

“If they’re going to be a legit provider they’re not going to knock on your door and ask for your personal details straight away,” he said.

“You want to ask for their proper ID, legitimate people and tradesman will give you that, and they’re going to have registration to prove that they’re tradesmen and can do the job that they say they do.

“If you want to follow up from that you go to a proper dealer, you don’t get one off the street who is knocking on your door.”

Police have described the men targeting the Cannington area as fair skinned and aged between 20 and 50 years old.

One has an English accent and ginger hair, another a ponytail with tattoos on his arm and the third a shaved head with tattoos on his arm.

They were seen driving a white panel van with Victorian registration SUJ070.

Anyone with information is asked to call 131 444.

What to do if you expect a scam

-Get as many descriptive details about the person as possible-what they’re wearing, facial description, skin and hair colour, their age etc.

-Try to note details about what they’re driving.

-Be careful taking pictures when people are standing there.

-Don’t open the door, don’t let them in.

-Spread the word-warn neighbours, friends and family.

-Call Crime Stoppers or Police on 131 444.