Cowboy builder leaves 'code' pattern in driveway letting others know homeowner is an easy target

The house calls included four different builders offering to re-do the work the original trader left unfinished.

The couple, of Plymstock, Devon, eventually called in police who say they believe the pattern in the drive was a code to cowboys that the homeowner is vulnerable.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: "There are grounds to suspect it is there to identify the house as a potential target for these type of offences."

The 70-year-old victim said: "We paid for the work to be done, but they never sanded or sealed the driveway.

"A second lot came along, then another group, then another. I believe the paving symbol, which I didn't ask for, is a signal for other people to look out for.

"My concern is they could be targeting other elderly people. There could be some gullible old woman living by herself thinking she has to pay up.

"I think these people will continue to try their luck with others."

The elderly couple paid unscrupulous workers 4,000 for a paved front drive which was left unfinished but included a design featuring five squares.

Since then a series of different groups of workmen have turned up at the terraced property offering to do work and asking for up to 6,000.

It is feared the pattern may have been included in driveways elsewhere and pensioners are being urged to remain vigilant.

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Cowboy builder leaves 'code' pattern in driveway letting others know homeowner is an easy target