PEOPLE considering using traders who call door-to-door for business are being urged to check them out before employing their services.

Dorset Police has issued advice as it investigates three rogue trader incidents in Christchurch and Poole.

Two of the incidents occurred in Christchurch on the morning of Wednesday, June 21.

It is reported that a man attended properties in the town offering window and gutter cleaning services.

On both occasions he started the work, but then claimed a roof tile was damaged and needed repairing.

A similar incident was reported to have occurred on Thursday, July 6, in Poole, where the victim agreed for work to be carried out on the gutters of an address, before being told that a roof tile was broken.

PC Sian Maynard, of Dorset Police, said: “We believe these incidents are linked and the man involved is suspected of purposefully damaging a roof tile in order to ask for a large sum of money to carry out repairs.

“I would like to take this opportunity to warn the public about door-to-door scams involving people selling goods or services that are either not delivered or are very poor quality.

“If someone knocks at your front door claiming to be from a company, first check their ID. If you’re not happy, don’t let them in. Never call the phone number on their ID card to check them out. Ask the salesperson to wait outside, shut the door and find the company number on the internet. If they’re genuine, they’ll understand.

“I would urge anyone with concerns about vulnerable neighbours or relatives who are potentially being targeted by rogue traders in this manner to please contact us.

“We would always advise against accepting work from doorstep traders. If you think a job needs doing, we would suggest getting multiple quotes from reputable traders and take time to think it over.”

A list of trading standards approved traders can be found on the Buy with Confidence website at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.

Anyone with information about rogue traders – and the incidents in Poole and Christchurch – should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55230096087. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.