Bedminster people are warned to be on their guard against rogue tradesmen operating in the area after a local man was duped into handing over £2,500 for ‘work’ on his home.

On Monday, 15 February 2010, three men in a flatbed truck approached a resident in Lynton Road in Bedminster and said they had noticed his guttering was in need of repair.

They climbed onto the man’s roof and removed all of the guttering before demanding over £2,500 to replace it. They took the victim to a bank to withdraw the cash. Once they had the cash, the three men – described as white with Irish accents – left, promising to return and complete the work.

The police have asked local residents to report any such callers to their home, and are keen to stress that the message is: “If in any doubt, keep them out”.

Rogue traders often target elderly and vulnerable people, usually cold-calling for custom – a common trick is to give a quote then raise the price once the work has begun.

If a cold-caller turns up at your door, the advice from the police is to follow the DOORSTEP Code:

- Don’t open the door without using the Doorstep Code

- Observe first – always look through a window or door viewer

- Only open the door after connecting a chain or limiter

- Refuse entry if you are not satisfied

- Switch on outside lights when it’s dark to see who’s there

- Think ‘thief’ – ask to see an identity card and check it closely

- Ensure strangers are not left alone in your home

- Protect yourself – if you are worried, ring the police

In a cross-agency approach, the police are working with Trading Standards, the Department of Work and Pensions, the UK Border Agency and HM Revenue and Customs, which means that rogue traders are dealt with for any employment law infringements or tax fraud, as well as Trading Standards offences.

For further information and advice, visit the Trading Standards and Consumer Direct websites.