POLICE are warning residents in Worcestershire to be careful when dealing with cold callers.

A number of residents in the Kempsey and Alfrick area have been conned by rogue traders in the past.

In most cases residents have agreed to have work on their homes such as tarmacing or gutter replacements carried out without first agreeing a price. They have then been charged enormous amounts of money and are unable to trace the people responsible.

Police have said it is advisable to get at least three different quotes when work needs to be carried out on homes. Friends and family can often recommend reputable companies they have used in the past.

Allowing a rogue trader into a home or garden also carries the risk of them spotting where valuables are kept and how to get into and out of the house. They could later use this information to break into the house and quickly take high-value items.

Although there is no foolproof way to recognise fraudulent workmen, they usually do not carry identification, refuse to give estimates in writing and will ask to be paid in cash.

In order to deter rogue traders front and back doors should be kept locked and fitted with a security chain or similar device.

Any cold callers should always be asked for identification and contracts should never be signed on the spot. A reputable trader will understand the need to consider the deal carefully.

Anyone unsure about the reputability of a cold caller can call police on 101 or Worcester Trading Standards on 01905 822 799.