Residents across the Bracknell and Wokingham police area are being warned to be vigilant and to not become victim to rogue Roofing & Guttering traders.

At this time of year many rooves develop a growth of moss over the tiles and falling leaves may clog gutters, these are rarely critical situations that require immediate resolution, so never be pressured into accepting offers of cleaning from any Cold Calling tradesman.

There are laws that anyone working at height or on rooves has to comply with, so if your caller has nothing more than a ladder, there is every possibility that they are not genuine.

If someone knocks claiming to be simply in the area and offering to do the work there and then, there is every possibility that they are not genuine. Reputable tradesmen do not seek work in this manner.

If your roof and gutters aren’t causing you a problem, don’t accept a strangers word that you need work doing, unfortunately rogue traders who are allowed up on a roof often claim to then discover serious damage (which they may well have caused themselves) to tiles or chimneys that they offer to repair at extortionate prices.

Rogue Traders using such scams have recently been reported after targeting vulnerable residents in the Beach Lane area of Earley and are likely to have struck elsewhere.

Protect yourself and your property by following this simple safety advice:

• If you are not sure who is at your door, don’t open it.
• Ask the caller for proof of identity, if they claim to be from a legitimate company think about asking if they are a Ltd. Company or a Sole Trader, and ask for and check the company’s VAT registration details. You can confirm any Ltd company’s details on line, via the Companies House website, check to see if they are registered with Directory Enquiries - don’t use any telephone numbers provided by the caller- they may be bogus.
• Don’t let them onto your property until you are satisfied.
• If in doubt keep them out.
• If you are suspicious report the incident to police on-line or by phoning 101.

If you believe your home requires repair/ cleaning work and you see adverts or receive flyers from individuals or companies offering such work, consider making on line checks to confirm any quoted addresses, phone numbers, email addresses or websites.

Best still is to seek recommendations available from Citizen’s Advice or Trading Standards.

Trading Standards will also be able to advise you on how to set up a “No Cold Calling Zone” in your neighbourhood should you and your neighbours want one.

Don’t be rushed into agreeing work or parting with your money. Obtain written quotes for any work confirming the company’s details and details such as, exactly what needs repairing, (dimensions and materials), who will be removing debris and how much it will cost before you allow it to commence.

As always if you have any information relating to this type of offence or would like to report a crime please contact Thames Valley Police via the on-line portal on their website or by phoning the non-emergency number 101. For residents across the entire Bracknell and Wokingham Police area you can contact Trading Standards on 01635 519930.