Squeegee scroungers are back in Croydon and infuriating motorists with their unwanted windscreen cleaning and pleas for money.

The wash and go cadgers are now a regular sight at the Fiveways junction in Waddon and drivers are being harassed for money.

The men, thought to be immigrants from eastern Europe, wash windscreens while cars are waiting for traffic lights to change.

Drivers are then asked to pay for the chamois scam which first hit the streets of London in the 1990s.

Croydon police confirmed they had recently been called to the junction on a number of occasions to deal with frustrated motorists' complaints.

Squeegee men have not been seen in Croydon for around six years.

One motorist said she had her windscreen washed three times in one day. "They only do half your window," the angry driver added, "It is really annoying, and someone is going to get hurt one day."

Annoyingly for motorists, the squeegee men do nothing more than most drivers can do with the help of window wipers and screen wash.

And many drivers have resorted to finding alternative ways around Croydon to avoid the junction.

A Croydon police spokesman said: "On a few occasions recently police have been called to the Fiveways area of Croydon to reports of a number of individuals who have been asking drivers for payment in exchange for their windscreens being cleaned.

"Police have spoken to the individuals and the Waddon Safer Neighbourhood team have been informed to monitor the situation in the near future."

  • Have you encountered the squeegee men? Tell us what you think in the comment box below.