12/09/2026
Please take care of
🚨COMMUNITY SCAM WARNING – TINGLEY, ARDSLEY & THORPE 🚨
We have received several reports from concerned residents across Tingley, East Ardsley and West Ardsley about a man going door-to-door offering mattresses and furniture for cash.
⚠️ Please be aware and share this warning with friends, family and neighbours — particularly older or potentially vulnerable residents living in bungalows. Share to neighbourhood groups and pages ⚠️
According to the reports we have received, the man:
🔹 Is wearing a high-vis tabard/jacket and knocking on residents’ doors.
🔹 Says he is working on the local new-build housing site and claims the builder/developer has given him permission to sell furniture from the show home.
🔹 Says he had a van full of brand-new furniture and mattresses which he needs to sell because the show homes are being emptied.
🔹 Offers mattresses for around £200, often creating a sense of urgency by saying that once the stock is gone, it’s gone.
🔹 Has reportedly told residents that a neighbour has “just taken his last two bedside cabinets” or similar, potentially to encourage people to buy.
🔹 Insists that he only accepts cash.
🚨 Residents who have purchased mattresses have subsequently reported that they do not appear to be new.
Residents have described the mattresses as being wrapped in plastic but, once opened, they are actually old/used mattresses, with a very strong chemical smell. Reports suggest that while the top and bottom may have newer-looking material or toppers, the mattress itself appears to be considerably older.
The reported price paid has been £200 in cash.
There are also reports that, after completing a sale, the man leaves the area quickly rather than apparently visiting the neighbours he has referred to. We have also been told of instances where the same individual has returned to the area a few days later.
📍 Streets residents have specifically reported being targeted include:
• Casson Drive
• Casson Avenue
• Eastleigh Mews
• Hill Top Court
• Hill Top Close
• Wharfedale Rise
These are the streets we are currently aware of — this does not mean other streets or areas have not been targeted.
The reports we have received suggest that bungalows appear to be a particular focus, which is especially concerning given that these properties may be occupied by older residents or people who could be more vulnerable to doorstep scams.
🛑 PLEASE BE VIGILANT
If someone comes to your door claiming to be from a building site or developer and offers furniture or mattresses for cash:
❌ Do not feel pressured to buy.
❌ Do not hand over cash at the door.
❌ Do not assume that claims about a builder or developer giving permission are genuine.
❌ Do not allow a stranger into your home.
If you are unsure, close and lock your door and check independently with the building company/developer using contact details you have obtained yourself — not a telephone number provided by the person at your door. If you are concerned for your safety or that of a neighbour always call the police on 999.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam or have information that may help identify the individual, please consider reporting it to Action Fraud and/or West Yorkshire Police.
👨👩👧👦 PLEASE SHARE THIS POST
Please send this to elderly relatives, friends and neighbours in Tingley, East Ardsley, West Ardsley, Thorpe and surrounding areas.
If you know someone who lives in a bungalow, please check that they have seen this warning.
A quick conversation with a neighbour or family member could prevent someone losing £200 or more.
⚠️ Stay safe, stay alert and don’t be afraid to say NO at the door.
