Suspected rogue traders have been operating in Suffolk pretending to be a reputable roofing firm.

Suffolk Constabulary are warning residents to be vigilant after receiving a report of an incident that happened yesterday around 2pm in Winchester Gardens, Barham.

A group of three men have cold called at a property, posing as a roofing firm, suggesting that they offer a unique service and pressured the residents into agreeing, police said.

The men turned up in a new transit van, with white signs on it. The residents paid an amount and the men did some basic work. The workers have then said they will return the next day to finish the work and will require a further payment.

Anyone with information in relation to this crime should call Suffolk police on 101, quoting incident 339 of 21/01/16 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

To avoid becoming a victim of rogue traders, Suffolk Constabulary has released some tips:

- Never agree to have work done by somebody who is just passing or take their word that it needs to be done at all.

- Never pay for work before it is completed.

- Do not accept any offer from them to drive you to the bank to withdraw money.

- If you need work done, then visit www.checkatrade.com or call by phone on 0333 0146 190 or contact your local councils Trusted Trader Service.