Police have issued a warning after a number of incidents involving cold callers in Stafford.

There have been several incidents where cold callers have knocked on residents' doors, offering to do work after which no work or work of a low standard has taken place and residents have ended up paying a lot more than originally quoted.

Staffordshire Police said: "Rogue traders often target householders by knocking on doors and offering services such as roofing repairs, driveway maintenance, gardening work, gutter cleaning or property improvements.

"They may claim that urgent work is required, use high-pressure sales tactics or demand payment for poor-quality or unnecessary work."

Advice for residents:

• Under no circumstances agree to work from cold callers
• Source at least three quotes from reputable traders
• Ask to see identification and verify credentials
• Talk to trusted family members and friends and ask them for traders they recommend
• Avoid paying large amounts of money upfront
• Never feel pressured into making an immediate decision
• Contact Trading Standards or Citizens Advice if unsure about a trader's legitimacy

Do you feel like you are being targeted or threatened by a rogue trader?

If a crime is in progress or there is an immediate risk to someone's safety, call 999.

Non-emergencies can be reported by calling 101 or through the Staffordshire Police website.

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