Trading Standards are warning residents to beware of rogue traders following disastrous storms that have hit the country over the past fortnight.

After being hit by Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis during the past two weekends, many residents will have to make repairs to their properties.

This type of weather can lead homeowners to receive calls from bogus traders, cold-calling householders with offers to repair roofs, gutters and remove fallen trees.

Trading Standards advice is to always say no to cold-callers. They are most likely to target elderly and vulnerable people and will often point out a minor repair job. When let into the property, this will usually escalate into a list of jobs that are usually overpriced, unnecessary and unsafe.

If you think work needs to be done because of storm damage, always check with your insurance company first.

If you still need work on your property or garden, use a reputable local trader recommended by friends or family or someone who has been vetted and is part of the Age UK (Coventry) Trusted Traders Scheme.

This service is available to people of all ages living in the Coventry area and can be contacted by phoning 024 7643 3982.

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Following on from the above warning, Trading Standards have had two reports from various parts of the city in relation to unsolicited approaches to householders offering to clean the gutters for £40 cash.

In both cases the ‘contractor’ found that more work was required at an extra cost.

In the first report, after agreeing to clean the gutters for £40, the trader then alleged that broken tiles had been replaced with out consulting the homeowner first and demanded £230. The trader became aggressive and only left on threat of the police being called.

The second report started on a similar theme with £30 being agreed upon for gutter cleaning which then escalated to fascia and soffit cleaning for an extra £60. This was agreed, and to be paid by cheque. However, upon completion, the trader demanded £90 for the additional work and cash only. Again, he became aggressive, and only left when the householder's son arrived.

Often, extra work is not necessary and is either not done at all or is not completed. The gutter cleaning is also often to a poor standard.

In both cases, no paperwork was offered, and Trading Standards are confident that this was the same trader on both occasions.

The reports have come from Wyken and Coundon.

Trading Standards’ advice:

• Never agree to buy goods or services from people who unexpectedly knock on your door: Do not be pressurised!
• Not sure? Don’t open the door!
• Remember, anyone agreeing to a contract in their own home costing more than £42 is legally entitled to a 14-day cancellation period where they can change their mind. If you are not given cancellation rights, do not sign up.

If you have any information that may help us track down these unscrupulous cold callers or you wish to report any incidents involving a rogue trader or doorstep crime, contact us on 0808 223 1133.

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