POLICE are warning people in Marlborough to watch out for cold callers who may be rogue traders.

Three concerned residents contacted police to report cold callers at their house on Wednesday, asking if they wanted work to be done on their roof.

Wiltshire Police have now issued an alert to residents not to engage with cold callers offering to do home maintenance work who could turn out to be a rogue trader.

Residents are advised not to open doors to unexpected callers, to avoid stepping outside of their home when asked to do so by any unexpected caller and to call 999 if they feel intimidated.

Police are also asking neighbours to look out for their elderly or vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours and to report to police if you think rogue traders may be targeting them.

Acting police sergeant Richard Barratt, for the Marlborough neighbourhood policing team, said: "If you are suspicious of a cold caller you can report them by dialling 101 with a description of them and any vehicle you may have seen them use.

"If they are selling goods or services and don’t leave or they return after you’ve asked them to leave, they can be prosecuted for ignoring your request. If you believe you need work doing to your home, source a company through the Buy with Confidence scheme or Check a Trade scheme."

Sgt Barratt has also issued these tips:

•Make sure you have a door viewer to see who is at your door.

•Never agree to have work done or part with money on your doorstep.

•Always get written quotes from at least two traders for any work.

•You have 14 days to cancel any purchase of goods or services over £42 that you make in your home.

•If you agree a contract for goods or services in your house, you must be given the following information in a durable medium, otherwise a criminal offence may have been committed: The conditions, time limits & procedure for exercising the right to cancel, The cost of returning the goods, If you request the contract to start within the cancellation period, the trader must inform you of any reasonable costs to be paid up until the time of cancellation.

•Always agree the price, payment arrangements and start/finish dates in writing before any work starts on your home.

•You don’t have to pay in full until you’re completely satisfied with the work and you could consider using stage payments throughout the work.

•Keep your home and belongings safe during works.

•If you think you have been deceived, are concerned about a trader or have any doubts call 101 or Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 03454 04 05 06.