A MADLEY resident's kitchen was ransacked as two men searched for money which they said was payment for cutting down a tree.

Police said carers had discovered that an unknown man had cut down a tree at the elderly woman's house and she had then written a cheque for £1,000.

The bank did not cash the cheque as they did not recognise the signature as the victim's writing has deteriorated.

A police officer attended and advised the carers to remove all money and cheque books from the property for safe keeping.

Then on Friday, February 24, the carers arrived to find the kitchen had been ransacked and the resident said two men had called for money and when she said she didn't have any, they began searching for some.

Enquiries are ongoing and police said there is a suspect.

Police asked for residents to ensure that elderly and vulnerable members of your family and community are warned against allowing strangers to carry out work - these individuals are known to have left a flyer advertising 'garden services' and they prey on vulnerable people.

If you have any information call police on 101 and quote incident number 380-s-240217.