Roof-repair scam arrest in Chatswood

A man in Australia on a visitor’s visa has been charged over an alleged roof-repair scam which targeted a North Shore homeowner.

Police have been told a man purporting to be a tradesman attended a home on Baldry Street in Chatswood on Friday 1 November 2019, and was given cash by the homeowner for roof repairs.

The 68-year-old homeowner told police the man returned the next day and was given more money for materials.

Between Monday 4 November 2019 and Thursday 7 November 2019, the homeowner was again approached by the same man who allegedly asked for more cash.

The homeowner reported the matter to Chatswood Police Station yesterday (Monday 11 November 2019), after the man allegedly threatened him again demanding more money.

Officers from North Shore Police Area Command immediately began making inquiries and, about midday, they arrested three men and took them to Chatswood Police Station.

A 20-year-old man, who is an Irish National, has now been charged with demand with menaces intend obtain gain/cause loss, and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm.

He has been granted strict conditional bail to appear at Hornsby Local Court on Wednesday 11 December 2019. His passport has been confiscated.

The two other men, aged 38 and 39, who are also Irish Nationals, have been released without charge pending further inquiries.

A search warrant has been executed at a home on Storey Street in Maroubra where police seized designer-label clothing and mobile phones. They’ve been taken for forensic examination.

Anyone with information about incidents such as these are urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

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