An alert bank cashier has helped police arrest a suspected rogue trader.
The trader allegedly tried to con a pensioner out of £3,000 for unnecessary roof repairs at his home in Market Harborough.
But a suspicious clerk at Lloyd's Bank in The Square in the town called in the police.
The fraudster had first called at the retired man's home in Burnmill Road, on Friday March 4.
Police said the trader told the elderly man his roof needed repairing. In fact, no work was required.
The anxious householder visited his bank in Market Harborough to withdraw £1,500 to give to the alleged fraudster.
Then on Monday March 7 the suspected rogue trader called back at the man's home.
This time he told the man he needed another £1,500 before he could start the work.
The elderly man visited the town bank again but this time a suspicious cashier at the bank questioned the retired man and then contacted the police.
A suspected rogue trader has since been arrested by Market Harborough police in the town.
Pc Malc Roberts, based in Market Harborough, said: "This incident only came to light after diligent work from a local bank in Market Harborough.
"When the elderly man visited to withdraw a large sum of money from the bank for the second time in four days, the cashier questioned him, and after consulting her manager, called the police in."
One 20-year-old man has been arrested and released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Police suspect there was more than one man involved.
Anyone who saw suspicious activity on Burnmill Road should contact the police.
Police believe the elderly man was visited twice by suspected rogue traders - on Friday March 4 at about 2.30pm, and on Monday March 7 at about 10.30am.
Members of the public with any information should contact Pc 1149 Thomas on 101.
