HOUSEHOLDERS are warned to be ware of cold callers offering to carry out property maintenance following reports of doorstep crime across Wirral.

Wirral Trading Standards and police say elderly residents in Wallasey, Pensby and Oxton were targeted by bogus tradesmen.

The incidents involved traders offering guttering, roofing and driveway work or maintenance.

Trading Standards' advice is never buy services or goods from businesses that make contact out of the blue, such as traders knocking on the door, or responding to leaflets put through your letterbox.

Cllr Phillip Brightmore, Wirral cabinet member for environment, said: "Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous people who use cold calling as a method to defraud money from residents by undertaking unnecessary or overpriced work.

"Often, the quality of the work is also very poor or ineffective and it can be difficult to make contact with the traders should there be issues in the future.

"For all your goods and services it is better to deal with reputable traders operating out of fixed premises who you know and trust.

"Please do not agree to work offered by unsolicited doorstep callers as the risks are high - take time to get three quotes from reputable businesses you trust and make your decision on who to use in your own time.

"Please be vigilant for yourself and your neighbours, particularly if elderly."

If you or someone you know has been targeted by cold callers, contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06, visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or contact Merseyside Police on 101.