A SWINDLER is at work in southern St Albans, conning money out of people by pretending to have cleaned their windows.

The conman appears to be targeting streets where a genuine window cleaner is also knocking on doors to ask for work, taking advantage of the confusion.

The crook, a white man in his early 20s, about five feet eight inches tall with brown hair, knocked on a victim's door in Ramsbury Road on September 22, claiming he was collecting payment for window cleaning.

The resident handed over some money, and was surprised when to find the genuine window cleaner asking for work at the door two hours later.

  Police Constable Ben Kirby said: “We believe this man may be operating in the area, pretending to have cleaned other residents’ windows. 

“If you think you have been a victim of this conman and have any information about this incident, ring the non emergency number 0845 33 00 222 to report it.

"If you are approached by someone who is not your regular window cleaner and you do not recognise them, then do not give them any money. Call 999.

"Always confirm with your window cleaners when they are going to attend your address, and ensure that any payment goes to a person who can confirm they work for the company you employ."