Police and Trading Standards officers seized a van this week after allegations that a gang of bogus workmen had been masquerading as a house repair company.

The raid was carried out in Cressing Road, Braintree on Wednesday morning and involved Witham police officers.

"Officers believe that the van had been decorated in the livery of a genuine company, to deliberately deceive consumers," said Steve Lynch, head of fair trading at Essex County Council Trading Standards.

"Trading Standards has received complaints about doorstep salesmen showing fake ID cards and a brochure to sell their tarmacing and block paving services.

"The van was seized at Cressing Road following undercover surveillance," said a spokesperson for Trading Standards. It is thought the gang had been operating throughout the area, including Witham

Trading Standards have issued a warning to householders.

"Think twice if workmen knock on your door offering to carry out repairs. Bogus traders charge extortionate sums for shoddy work and may resort to intimidation to get cash payment directly," said Mr Lynch.

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