Two men attempt to rip off Aucklanders

Photo / File

Two men will appear in court today charged in connection with trying to rip off Auckland residents.

The men were arrested yesterday after a resident on King Edward Ave in Epsom alerted police.

The resident reported seeing a man on the roof of an elderly neighbour's house while another man talked to the woman at the front of her property.

Inspector Vaughn Graham said police believe the second man had been posing as a council worker.

The victim alleges that one of the accused visited her property last week, said he was working for the council and would return in a week to move pipes, Mr Graham said.

"While we're obviously very pleased to have made the arrests yesterday, it's concerning that people are prepared to go to such lengths to predate on trusting home owners who have no reason to question the authenticity of those who say they represent legitimate organisations."

Mr Graham said anyone with concerns about people calling on their properties should ask for formal identification.

A 19-year-old from Grey Lynn and a 23-year-old from Manurewa will appear in Auckland District Court today, the younger man charged with burglary and the other charged with burglary and dishonesty offences.

Police want to hear from anyone else who may have had a similar experience.