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Police are warning residents living in the Kapiti-Horowhenua to be on the alert for "dodgy gardeners" ripping off the elderly.
Otaki police sergeant Noel Bigwood said the men, described as Polynesian and travelling in a small white truck, worked their way through the region every year.
The men cold-called on elderly people and offered to work around the garden.
"They do a small amount of work then charge an exorbitant fee. If the elderly person complains they resort to standover tactics to try and get their money."
Mr Bigwood said Otaki and Levin police had started getting queries about the gang.
People approached by the men should think carefully before employing them to do any work, he said.
"If they are engaged, the work to be done, price to be paid and quality required should be carefully specified, preferably in writing. No payment should be made for any work done over that agreed.
"If in doubt they should be ordered to leave the property, and if they do not, police should be called."
- NZPA
