A SHOCKING survey carried out by undercover trading standards departments in Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset has revealed that consumers have a two out of three chance of being ripped off by rogue handymen.

Out of the 30 tradesmen hired just nine were deemed to have carried out their work satisfactorily.

The remainder either charged unnecessarily, found faults that were non-existent, wasted time or didn't do the work properly.

The investigation was carried out at a secret "house of horrors" in Poole over a period of six weeks and now officers are looking at taking some tradesmen to court.

First published: October 14