WORCESTERSHIRE residents are being warned to be extra vigilant after a number of rogue traders have been reported.

The Trading Standards team at Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS), has recently received a number of reports of rogue traders operating across the county offering roofing and driveway work.

A number of complaints relating to such works have been received and in most cases the victims have been older, more vulnerable residents living on their own.

In all cases the work that has been carried out is very poor with extortionate amounts of money being demanded. Reports have been received from Malvern in the south of the county all the way up to Wythall, near Redditch, in the north.

Residents are being asked to look out for older and vulnerable neighbours as this time of year can be difficult for residents living alone, making them easy targets.

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, chair of the Worcestershire Regulatory Services joint committee, said: “These criminals target the most vulnerable in our community and this kind of activity will not be tolerated in Worcestershire. Please remember that you are not being a nosey neighbour by reporting suspicious behaviour, you are being community spirited and could be preventing heartache for members of your community.”

Targeting individuals by claiming to be a trader and carrying out some work, which is shoddy and vastly over priced is not just a contractual matter, it is criminal activity which can result in severe punishments from the courts.

Anybody who wants to report anything suspicious can call either West Mercia police on 101 or the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06.