POLICE are investigating a rogue trader in Cricklade which tried to charge potential customers extortionate fees for work on Monday.

The area’s community policing team received reports about a company going door-to-door touting for work including £400 to clear out guttering.

PCSO Beasley said: “Rogue traders are people who call at homes and offer to do work that will be either unnecessary or vastly overpriced.

“They have no formal training to carry out the work and some have links with distraction burglars, who gain access to homes by distracting or tricking their way in to steal valuables or cash.

“Please ensure that your home is secure and be aware of your neighbours and family – especially those that may be considered more vulnerable.”

PCSOs will be working in partnership with Trading Standards to conduct patrols and target these offenders.

Their advice is not to open the door to unexpected callers or allow anyone to pressure you into agreeing to have work carried out. If you ask them to leave and they don’t, call 999. Police also say nobody should ever go to a bank or cashpoint with a trader because legitimate ones never do this.