Chimney Scam Sweeps Through Region

Far from the images of benevolent, full-throated chimney sweeps like those furthered in Mary Poppins, it appears some of Fairfield County's sweeps have dirty designs.

According to Wilton Lieutenant Don Wakeman, Stratford Police arrested an employee of Top Sweep Inc. recently for violation of home improvement laws and larceny in the second degree by way of exploitation of the elderly. That same employee had a list of towns in his car, which included Wilton, though police aren't sure whether the towns had yet to be visited or were already targeted.

"We do receive some complaints of chimney repair-type companies that show up unsolicited to do work," Wakeman said. "They offer to do a cleaning or some sort of inspection and all of a sudden they find problems that need to be fixed right away because they pose health risks."

Wakeman went on to say that such companies typically target elderly residents who are more likely to buy into the schemes.

In Stratford's case, town building inspectors reviewed the work Top Sweep Inc. had performed and "found it to be substandard and unnecessary." Stratford police then developed information that the company had been targeting Wilton, as well.

Wakeman suggested that Wilton residents contact the police department right away if they encounter Top Sweep representatives or any other suspicious, unsolicited home improvement propositions.