Essex Trading Standards issue warning after Colchester scam

Essex Police has issued a warning after workmen have been reported to be knocking on doors in Colchester in recent days.

It is said they are offering to fix broken roof tiles and then, once on the roof, are claiming they have completed additional work which was not agreed to.

Officers attended a property in the city on Wednesday and prevented a man handing over more than £5,500 for work originally quoted at £1,400.

The elderly gentleman is now being supported by the force after the incident.

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Essex Police says all the details from the incident have been passed on to Essex Trading Standards.

A spokesman has now warned residents to be aware of anyone knocking on their door offering their services.

“Do your research before agreeing to anything and compare prices from different companies,” he said.

“Get written quotes with the company details on.

"Rogue traders can be more expensive and sometimes increase the price after the work has been carried out.”

It follows a warning from building directory Checkatrade to households to remain vigilant due to a rise in such criminal behaviour.

Homeowners in Essex were told to be alert due to concerns "cowboy" tradespeople are seeking to take advantage of consumers looking to cut back on the cost of maintenance work amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Unqualified individuals may impersonate heating technicians, plumbers and other skilled tradespeople.

An Essex Trading Standards spokesman advised residents to be confident on their doorstep, stating “most problems can be avoided by just firmly closing your door”.

He added: “Please remember that genuine callers will always be happy to make an appointment and come back.

“They will not ask you to go to the bank to withdraw money or ask you to pay in full before work is completed.

“They will not bully or scare you into making a decision on the spot.”