The Port Moody Police Department is warning the public to be on the lookout for shady door-to-door contractors offering paving work to residents.
Last week, police were called to the Oxford Drive neighbourhood to assist bylaw officers with complaints from residents concerned about messy and noisy workers in the area.
Bylaw officials became suspicious when shortly after their arrival on scene several workers quickly fled the area.
Police caught up with one of the men, who was found to be in possession of a stolen push roller, a piece of equipment used for paving.
"A male was arrested at the scene," said Port Moody Police Department Const. Luke van Winkel. "A roller compactor was confirmed to be stolen. The owner of that equipment also stated that there was a missing jackhammer... so there is a jackhammer that is still outstanding."
The suspect was released on a promise to appear and van Winkel said he will likely face charges of possession of stolen property.
He added that the men involved in last week's incident are connected to two companies - W Price Paving and Capital One Pavers. Neither company is registered with the Better Business Bureau or licensed with the city of Port Moody. They do not have websites and could not be found in the B.C. YellowPages.
Van Winkel warned that residents should be cautious when using contractors who go door-to-door offering work.
"It is very much a buyer beware situation," he said. "They may not have the experience and is something goes wrong you may not have any recourse."
To find reputable contractors in good standing with the Better Business Bureau go to www.mbc.bbb.org.
