North Yorkshire: More schools targeted by paint scammer

A further seven schools have been targeted by a man offering to paint parking lines and zebra crossings, police have said.

North Yorkshire Police issued a warning earlier this week about a man approaching schools and charging large amounts for substandard paint work.

The force added a school in the Hambleton area was targeted on 2 May but said no payment had been made.

More schools in York and Scarborough have now reported similar approaches.

A force spokesperson said the seven schools had also given a description of the man which matched earlier reports.

Police have asked anyone with CCTV footage of the suspect to get in touch.

He is described as white with short, quiffed blond hair and a suntan, around 6ft tall and aged about 25-30.

He also has been wearing a yellow high-vis top without any branding and driving a white, unmarked van.

The man claimed he worked for the Highways Agency and had "leftover line-painting material".

In addition to the initial school in Hambleton, police two similar incidents took place at primary schools in York on 30 April, but they did not accept the offer.

A spokesperson said these types of scams are often used by criminals who give low, verbal quotes, but will then charge inflated prices after they complete the work.

They said people should only "approach established companies or individuals" and agree a price and contract in writing.

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