Following on from last week’s rogue trader warning, Trading Standards are again reminding residents to stay alert, especially over the Bank Holiday.

The Bank Holiday should be a time for days out, a well-deserved rest or getting jobs done at home, not worrying about who is knocking at your door.

But sadly, it's those jobs around the house that are so tempting to rogue traders travelling from door-to-door looking for their next victim.

Trading Standards are warning residents to be on their guard if approached by anyone cold calling at their homes offering any type of property maintenance or gardening services.

When employing these doorstep callers, the concern is that after agreeing to work for a nominal cost, the resident is then informed that there is a lot more work needed, and the costs escalate.

If work needs to be done on your property, known and reputable traders should be used.

Although it is not illegal for traders to go door to door, unless there are specific restrictions within that location, most agreements entered must come with written cancellation rights unless the cost is under £42.

If you didn't arrange for a visit, the advice is to politely decline any offers of work and close your door.

Be firm, as rogue traders are in the habit of turning up in the evenings and at weekends and often more than once to try put pressure on people.

These individuals will soon move on if their source of work – and income – dries up.

Our advice as always is not to deal with cold callers as this is a favoured approach used by rogue traders whose sole intention is to extract as much money from residents as possible.

REMEMBER - a trader who ignores any request by you to leave your home and not return commits a criminal offence!

We would also ask that if you have any elderly or vulnerable neighbours that you keep a look out for rogue traders especially if you notice cold callers in your area or anyone acting suspiciously.

It would also help if registration numbers of vehicles being used by the cold callers are noted down and reported.

Anyone with information on rogue traders or scams, can report to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer service on 0808 223 1133 or use the online reporting form.

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