Schools in North Yorkshire are being advised to look out for a potential scam involving 'workmen' offering to paint parking lines or private zebra crossings.

On 02 May 2024, a school in the Hambleton area was approached by a male purporting to work for the Highways Agency. As part of his ruse, the male said he had "left over line painting material" and offered to touch up some parking spaces and a zebra crossing on the school premises. After work was completed the male then demanded excessive payment for the work which was substandard. Payment was not made and the male left the premises. The male suspect is described as white skinned but tanned, approx. 6ft tall aged about 25-30 years old with white straight teeth with short blonde hair with the front gelled up. The male wore brand new yellow hi viz without any brandings and drove a white unmarked van. The male suspect had the correct tools to undertake the work. It has been confirmed the male does not work for the Highways Agency.

Two very similar incidents took place at primary schools in York on 30 April 2024. On these occasions the services were declined.

The 'left over paint' scam  is often used by criminals whom offer ambiguous verbal quotes for a low price and then charge inflated prices when work is completed and may make demands for payments. The work is often completed to a low standard with substandard materials. A variation on the scam is to offer tarmac resurfacing.

Whilst on this occasion it appears schools are being targeted, other organisations such as churches, hospitals, sports clubs and private businesses– anywhere with car parks really - need to be vigilant. 

Advice to both businesses and individuals that if you want work done please approach established companies or individuals that you can talk to again if anything goes wrong and agree a price/contract in writing.

Any organisation or person who has been made an offer to carry out similar line painting work should contact their local trading standards and North Yorkshire Police. Any information in regards to the offences in Hambleton or York should contact PC 1864 Fiona Wilding via email on Fiona.Wilding@northyorkshire.police.uk and quote reference 12240076720