Police have issued a warning to people to be aware of door-to-door tradesmen who are presenting home owners with bills for thousands of pounds.

Tradesmen have been visiting homes in St Ives offering to fix broken roof tiles for relatively small amounts of cash. While completing the work the men claim to find further repair works which could run into thousands of pounds.

Detective srgt Dave Savill said: “I would urge people to always ask for identification from doorstep callers and to never let people into their homes if they have any concerns about them.

“It is also important that people remain vigilant to activity in their neighbourhood, particularly in areas with vulnerable or elderly residents.”

Residents are advised to get a security chain fixed to the door and check the identity of the caller by asking to see an ID card and checking the telephone number.

Police also ask people to consider if they really need the work done and to shop around for the best deal, where possible using a trader from the Trading Standards Buyer Beware scheme insist that you are given the quote in writing.

INFO: Anyone with information about traders operating suspiciously should call police on 101, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or trading standards on 03454 040506.