POLICE officers are urging Wiltshire residents to be “vigilant” following a number of reports about rogue traders.

Concerns were raised to officers about this type of crime particularly in the rural areas in the west of the county.

Rogue traders are those taking part in unauthorised trading and making unapproved financial transactions, and the force said residents need to be "vigilant" as this type of crime continues.

The force added: “You should never feel pressured into buying something, whether it is goods or a service, and should contact police if you feel threatened of intimidated.

“Rogue traders may knock on your door and pretend to be legitimate builders or gardeners. They will try to convince you into having work carried out that you do not need doing and may also charge you extortionate amounts of money.

"You should never agree to have work carried out by someone who is just passing by, or believe them that the work needs to be done at all."

Crime prevention advice includes seeking support from a registered, licensed worker before undertaking any changes to the home, and reporting suspicious activity to police via 101.

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