Homeowners in Nailsea are being warned to be on their guard against rogue traders asking to do work on their properties.
Police are urging residents to be vigilant after a number of rogue traders have been reported across the area.
A number of incidents have been reported between July 19 and 30 at properties in Beechwood Road, Ridgeway, Ash Hayes Road, Heathfield Road and Nailsea Park.
All of the incidents happened during the day and involved a varying number of men approaching home owners offering work to be done on their property.
In each of the instances, elderly or vulnerable occupants were targeted and offered quotes for work to be carried out, only for the suspects to demand large sums of money to complete the work.
In one incident, police successfully worked with the public and partner agencies to thwart an attempt to defraud a victim of £3000.
A police spokesman said: “In light of these recent incidents, residents are encouraged to take note of crime prevention advice, particularly regarding being alert to rogue traders and distraction burglaries.”
Police are warning people never to open their doors to unexpected callers until they have checked their identity.
Homeowners are advised to use a door chain or viewer, intercom or a ‘smart’ doorbell and not to open the door unless sure the caller is legitimate.
People are also advised never to agree to have work done or part with money on their doorstep.
Ideally people should get written quotes from at least two traders for any work and always agree a start and finish date and agree a price before any work starts.
Anyone who is suspicious of a caller should call police straight away, especially if those visits are targeting frail or elderly neighbours.
