Staffordshire Police have received two reports of males knocking on doors in the area claiming to be Tree Surgeons and asking the residents if they want their trees cutting down for a quote of £500. This has occurred on Friday 3rd January 2025 from mid day onwards.

When the males have returned they have completed work and charged the residents thousands of pounds after claiming that the tree had “Honey Fungus” and required cutting down to stop it spreading. 

These males are claiming to be working for a company called Oak Leaf Tree and Fencing LTD. They do not cover the Codsall/Bilbrook area, so it appears this is a bogus claim. 

The males were in a white drop side van with a wood chipper trailer and were seen to be wearing orange Hi-Visibility clothing. 

If you get unsolicited knocking on your door from any tradesmen that you are not expecting, please be cautious in entering an agreement for work being done and money being exchanged. 

If you are unsure then do not give details and close the door, you are not required to engage with them and are definitely not required to give them any personal details. 

I have been to the affected streets and spoken to some residents to raise some awareness and Police Officers are currently investigating the circumstances. 

Please get this shared around on social media and make any vulnerable family/friends in the area aware, as they may not see this or the local social media pages.

as always, stay safe out there!

PCSO Matt Taylor