BOGUS traders have been knocking on people's doors offering to carry out works following the recent stormy weather, police have warned.

Officers said the fraudsters have been operating in Billinge, and across the St Helens area.

This has been in the wake of the recent bad weather as Storm Debi hit the area earlier this week.

Police said the fraudsters are offering to do building work, roofing and gardening that may then be grossly overcharged or not completed at all.

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They have also been targeting elderly residents and pressuring them to hand over cash on the same day, which can result in thousands of pounds lost.

Police have issued a warning to residents to be vigilant and have issued advice for when cold callers arrive.

This includes:

  • Take five. Use a safety chain when opening the door
  •  Be wary of people who cold call at your address, ask yourself who are they, why are they calling?
  • Don’t keep large amounts of cash in your home, in the heat of the moment you may be pressured to hand this over
  •  If you are asked to attend the bank by somebody you don’t know then make sure you tell the bank what is happening and they can help you
  •  Take your time making any decisions and if unsure ask a family member to assist you, a genuine caller won’t mind coming back another time.

Police added: "If somebody calls at your address and you suspect any wrong-doing, try to get the registration of their vehicle, contact the police on either 101 or if an emergency 999."