THE public is being urged to be on their guard against rogue traders after an incident in Needham Market.

A man called at a house on Hargrave Avenue at 8.15am and told the owner that his roof needed repairing.

He showed him some broken concrete on the floor that had not been there the last time the owner had been outside, without permission the man then went up a ladder and started pulling off roof tiles – claiming that the roof was rotten.

The man that contacted his boss on a mobile phone and then told the house owner that the job would cost up to �50 – he than cotinued pulling times off.

Within an hour a second man arrived and told the man that he needed to pay �500 up front to pay for materials and that the total cost would be �3,000.

The man said he could get some money when he later went into Ipswich, but did not agree to any work being done.

He agreed to meet the rogue traders at Crown Pools, however after seeking advice he decided not to hand any money over.

The roof tiles were not replaced by the males and a reputable builder is now repairing the damage.

The first male is described as white, of slim build, around 35-years-old with short black messy hair and was wearing dirty blue jeans and a donkey jacket.

The second male is described as white, of heavy build, around 30-years-old, with short black frizzy hair and was wearing dark jeans, white trainers and a donkey jacket.

No vehicle was seen, but it is thought the males may have parked behind the shops on Barking Road and walked along a footpath to get to Hargrave Avenue. Police want to hear from anyone who may have seen these males or a works-type vehicle in this area on Wednesday.

Officers are also urging members of the public to remain on their guard to protect their homes from rogue traders.

Calls in relation to this incident should be made to PC Carl Smith at Stowmarket Police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.