RESIDENTS in Wiltshire are being warned not to fall victim to rogue traders following a spate of incidents in the last few weeks.

With winter approaching and poorer weather with us, Wiltshire Council is warning residents not to engage with cold callers offering to do home maintenance work.

Wet weather, fallen leaves and high winds can be an excuse for cold callers to knock on doors offering to clean or repair gutters or roofs, repair or replace damaged driveways or take down trees.

The council’s trading standards team advises strongly against people engaging with any person who calls without appointment.

They have warned of potential signs of rogue traders such as non-local accents, not providing a landline number (only mobile), vague cost information often far lower than expected to bait people in.

Residents are advised to not open doors to unexpected callers, to avoid stepping outside of their home by any unexpected caller, to call 999 if they feel intimidated, and to approach local reputable businesses if they need work doing to their home.

Wiltshire Council corporate director, Maggie Rae said: “We are fast approaching the season of goodwill but unfortunately not everyone abides by that sentiment.  We don’t want anyone to fall victim to a rogue trader which will leave them out of pocket and miserable at this time of year.

“I ask that if people have any doubts or suspicions about particular traders they should not take up their services but find a reputable company instead.”

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for public protection, Keith Humphries said: “The vast majority of Wiltshire traders are honest hardworking people.

“Unfortunately there are some out there looking to take advantage and scam people.

“We want people to be as vigilant as possible to this type of crime and look out for any vulnerable or elderly friends and relatives who might be particularly at risk.”

There is plenty of support available for people including the Age UK Devises Trader Scheme (ageuk.org.uk/wiltshire/what_we_do/traders-list) as well as the trading standards Buy with Confidence Scheme (buywithconfidence.gov.uk). All the traders registered with these schemes have been checked out by trading standards.

For further advice people should call the consumer helpline on 03454 040506.