Elderly residents warned about rogue traders

Police are warning residents to be aware of suspected rogue traders operating in the Maidenhead area.

Officers received several calls on Saturday relating to elderly and vulnerable people being approached by workmen offering roofing services, and being quoted large sums of money to carry out the repairs.

Officers are investigating these incidents, but would like to remind residents to be on their guard.

Rogue traders often use high-pressure sales techniques, and threatening behaviour to extort money, and see elderly and vulnerable people as 'easy targets.'

Police are offering the following advice:

• Check the identity of the caller. Telephone the company they claim to be from using the numbers listed in your local directory or provided independently by your service provider.

• Never pay cash up front.

• If you suspect a bogus caller has visited, even if you didn't let them in, call the police straight away.

If you have information on a suspected crime in progress, call 999. Anyone with information should call police on 101.