PEOPLE living in Trowbridge are being advised to take caution after an increase in rogue traders visiting homes in the town.

A resident of Trowbridge, who asked not to be named, contacted the Wiltshire Times about an incident where someone knocked on his door, claiming to be surveying the roofs in the road and stating that work was needed to be carried out for repairs.

Speaking on Wednesday (October 5), the man said: “I haven’t reported it to the police but I feel it important to inform people of the obvious scam that is being played out amongst the bungalows of Trowbridge. On Monday we had a knock at the door and were greeted by a smart young man, clipboard in hand and with a lanyard around his neck.

“He said that he was surveying the homes in the street, I asked what he was surveying and he told me that the roofs in the street were beyond repair. I stopped him and told him all of the tiles were 100 per cent sound. I told him I had worked for one of the UK’s largest roofing contractors. With that he left rather quickly.”

After speaking to one of his neighbours, the man found out that others had been spotted walking up a nearby road appearing to act in a similar manner.

“Others were spotted at various locations nearby in Victoria Road, they are clearly selling the same fear driven story to those that could easily fall foul of his story of doom. There are a lot of older people in that area,” he continued.

On September 21, Wiltshire Police released an appeal to the public after an elderly lady in the Wyke Road area fell victim to a similar scam. The woman, who is in her 80s, answered the door to two men who claimed they needed to carry out repair works to the roof of her house and quoted her £850 if she paid in cash. The men told the victim that they would start work whilst she went to the bank.

After returning from the bank she handed them the cash and they left quickly with no works being carried out at the house.

PC Mark Hough said: "This incident has been reported to Trading Standards who are leading the investigation, but we would like to urge members of the community to be extra vigilant when answering the door to people you do not know.

"We believe this woman was targeted because she is elderly and very vulnerable.

"The actions of those responsible are completely sickening and extremely upsetting for the woman involved.

"I'd like to remind everyone to remain vigilant and to look out for elderly neighbours - please report anything suspicious in your area to police on 101. If you believe a crime is in progress, please call 999."