POLICE have warned residents after a spate of rogue traders targeting homeowners in Burnley.

Officers say dodgy tradesmen have been ‘cold calling’ in the Gannow and Coalclough areas and offering to carry out work.

But they have then charged well over the odds for services, leaving homeowners with a huge bill for little work or none at all.

Insp Martin Melvin, from Burnley police, said: “We would always advise people to be wary of anyone who turns up unannounced offering to do work.

“After all, you don’t know them, you don’t know the quality of their workmanship and you don’t know if what they are proposing to charge is fair.

“If you do need building work doing, it is far better to ask around for recommendations or get quotes from a number of reputable companies rather than rely on someone who turns up on your doorstep out of the blue.”

Police chiefs have now issued the following advice for homeowners to avoid falling victim to the scams:

  • Never feel pressurised into having work done by unannounced callers. If the caller is genuine, they won’t mind giving you a business card and waiting for your call
  • Never let strangers into your home
  • Get quotes from three reputable tradesmen first
  • Only pay once the work has been carried out to an acceptable standard.

Contact Lancashire Trading Standards on 01772 531491 to complain about the standard of service, or call police on 01282 425001 to report a bogus caller.