Police are warning Dorset residents to be wary of rogue traders on their doorsteps.

Officers have issued advice on how people can identify these rogue doorstep tradesmen.

A spokesperson for Dorchester Police said: “Gardens, plants and trees are beginning to wake up after the winter.

"Please do not be tempted to employ doorstep tradesmen to complete your spring tidy up. Try to find someone from a recommendation.”

They suggest that rogue tradesmen are likely to ‘fly tip the cuttings, complete sub-standard work and over charge, be casing the joint to return later’ and even ‘change the original quoted price.’

Furthermore, these rogue doorstep tradesmen may ‘confuse vulnerable people into accepting further work to be completed, like roofing, gutter clearing, jet washing, as well as ‘targeting the properties of the elderly and vulnerable.’

It may also be common for them to ‘use persuasive language’ by saying things like ‘we've just been working in one of your neighbour's gardens,’ or ‘we have the rest of the afternoon free and can complete your work cheaply.’

Citizens Advice suggests that the simplest way to avoid rogue traders is ‘not to engage with them, say no thanks and stick to it.’

If you feel unsafe call the police and if you have had a doorstep caller that you suspect is suspicious report it to Trading Standards, which might help to reduce the risk of someone else being a victim of the rogue activity.