Police: Elderly resident paid $6,000 for driveway seal

Du Quoin Chief of Police Jamie Ellermeyer is warning local residents --particularly the elderly--about a suspect working the Du Quoin area who apparently performed a very small driveway sealing job and charged the homeowner $6,000 for the work.

Driveway sealing performed by a homeowner can be done very cheaply. Five gallon buckets of the sealant can be purchased at any lumber yard or home center for between $20 and $30 a bucket.

Commercial contractors charge a few hundred dollars.

If you are approached about any fall home improvement work, talk it over with a family member, get a firm bid in writing, and if the person's reputation is in doubt call the Du Quoin Police Department at 542-2131 before going any farther. Remember what the person looks like, get a description of his car, truck or van and a license number, if possible.

Prosecutions can be difficult and it may be hard to get your money back once you have paid.