Rogue traders targeting dementia suffers in Yorkshire

A large number of dementia sufferers in Yorkshire have fallen victim to rogue traders, according to the Yorkshire Post.

The newspaper says that organised criminal gangs are targeting older people with the cognitive disorder as they believe their victims' failing memories will help them evade detection.

Some victims have paid out as much as £250,000 for repairs to roofs, driveways and gardens which was not actually needed. In some cases the work was not even carried out and the trader fled with full payment.

North Yorkshire County Council Trading Standards has stated that it is currently investigating an increasing number of cases involving dementia sufferers being ripped off.

"In my eyes these offences are just as despicable as some forms of sexual abuse, with offenders grooming their victims, who are often trusting members of society and are easy to exploit," said Ruth Andrews, head of fraud and financial investigations at North Yorkshire County Council.

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes