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Kingston Police warn of alleged driveway paving scam

On Tuesday, police were called to a home where someone in a white pickup truck greeted officers from afar with an Irish accent before summoning a colleague to the truck and fleeing, according to police.

Homeowners say they were offered a ride to the bank to pay for work worth $6K

A white, gooseneck pole with a black circular camera hangs next to a grey brick wall with the Kingston Police logo and motto.
On Tuesday, Kingston Police officer were called to a home where someone in a white pickup truck greeted officers from afar with an Irish accent before summoning a colleague to the truck and fleeing. (Dan Taekema/CBC)

Kingston Police are warning people about a potential driveway paving scam after a curious incident earlier this week. 

On Tuesday, police were called to a home in the city's Sherwood Drive area. Someone in a white pickup truck greeted officers from afar with an Irish accent before summoning a colleague to the truck and fleeing, according to a police news release issued on Wednesday.

The driveway was in "a partial state of repair/construction" and two people — later determined to be foreign nationals — were left behind along with some equipment. 

The homeowners told police they'd been approached by "an Irish-sounding male" that morning who offered them paving services, which they accepted. 

The man then offered a contract for $6,000 if they paid cash and even offered to take them to the bank. 

"The male then dropped off the other two individuals who immediately began preparing the driveway. No contract was provided to the homeowner and no money was exchanged. Officers spoke with the individuals left behind and their identity was determined," according to the release.  

The Canada Border Services Agency was contacted and both workers were placed under arrest for violations of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.