TRADING standards officers say they have seen a rise in the number of rogue traders and cold callers targeting vulnerable and elderly people in Swindon recently.

It came after a joint operation by Wiltshire Police and Swindon Trading Standards caught a group of cold callers knocking doors in Ferndale, claiming people had problems with their roofs and chimneys.

Carla Baker of Swindon Borough Council’s trading standards team, said: “We want to encourage neighbours and family members to look out for vulnerable or elderly residents.

“We would ask neighbours to make note of any vehicle registrations that may be linked to the trader along with details of sign written vehicles and take descriptions of any persons present.

“Our advice is never to deal with anyone who knocks at the door and report them immediately to Wiltshire Police on 101 or Trading Standards on 03454 040506.”

Anyone who notices work being carried out on a vulnerable neighbour's home should ask themselves if the resident looks stressed or concerned, she said. If it wasn't obvious the work needed to be carried out or there was no paperwork it could be a further sign of a rogue trader.

Ms Baker said a final question people should ask is whether someone has been told the work needs to be done urgently for fear of dire consequences like a roof leak.