The daughter of an elderly couple who were scammed and robbed by bogus roofers is warning others to be wary.

Jill and Bernie Varty, aged 80 and 83, were targeted by thieves at their home in Shirehall Road, Hawley, and daughter Joanne Bowley says vulnerable people and their relatives should be extra vigilant during lockdown.

Joanne has since set up a GoFundMe page to help recoup some of the £4,000 lost, which had this week raised £780; but she fears the stress of the incident could take its toll on her parents' health.

"Two guys knocked on the door saying my parents needed their gutters cleaning," she said. "They went up on the ladder and when they were up there they took some tiles off the roof, then they told my parents they needed a new roof because tiles had come off.

"They fell for it. They invited them in and had a chat and they were told how much it was going to be – the next morning they withdrew the cash. My mum had an envelope full of money – it was £4,000. She gave them half, then they told them to open the back gate to allow the scaffolders access.

"One of them then ran into the house and and took the rest of the money. Then they said the scaffolders had been on the phone and said they would have to come back tomorrow, then they left. It was only later they realised what had happened."

She added: "I think it's important to warn people at this time, when there's a lot of vulnerable people indoors. These people came into the house and made my mum and dad relaxed, asked about their health, they really got into their minds. Mum noticed they were wearing gloves but they said that was because of Covid."

Having lived in Kent for 50 years, Joanne says her parents have worked hard their whole life, bringing up their three children and have always supported the community.

Born in Yorkshire, Bernie started his adult life in military service, being sent to Christmas Island where he experienced Operation Grapple, which was four series of British tests of atomic and hydrogen bombs carried out in 1957 and 1958. He endured this without any protective equipment, covering his eyes with just his hands or clothes.

He then worked as an electrician, working long hours and days away from home to support his family.

Over many years his health has suffered with heart and lung problems, having a quadruple heart bypass in 2008 and surviving cancer.

"He now struggles with his eye sight and finds it difficult to walk," writes Joanne on the fundraising page. "He is needing assistance with day to day living. His mind is not what it was and the stress of this could exacerbate the dementia."

She adds that her mum was born in Chatham during the Battle of Britain, on what became known as the "the hardest day", August 18 1940 – a day of critical air battles between the German Luftwaffe and RAF.

She said her mum had a "sometimes stressful life but on the whole a happy one", working when she could to pick fruit and later on in a bank.

"Despite being 80 just last month she is now dad's main carer so she’s still working hard," writes Joanne. "Mum has her own health issues. Her blood pressure is very unstable and the worry of this could be catastrophic to her health. She is a born worrier and this will have a huge psychological impact on her.

"They also looked after my grandmother for many years as she needed care and support. Two people always helping others."

She added: "They are embarrassed and angry that these people have scammed their way into their home. They are worried and scared and concerned they may have to sell their home but most of all they are heartbroken.

"Please please support Jill and Bernie and let's make the rest of their lives as easy and as happy as it can be."

Police confirmed a report of the incident, which occurred between 1pm and 2pm on September 22, and say at present, no suspects have been identified.

Anyone who believes they have information on the incident can call police on 01474 366149 quoting 46/172853/20.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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