POLICE are warning residents about rogue traders operating in a Worcestershire town.

They are often posing as builders, odd job men or gardeners, who claim work needs doing when it does not, or charge more than is necessary.

The police advice comes after several people contacted officers to express concerns about an elderly Stourport-on-Severn couple being targeted.

Residents are strongly recommended to use extreme caution if they open the door to a trader who claims work needs doing, and to take advice from family, friends, neighbours or other traders.

It is also a good idea to ask for details of previous satisfied customers and go to see the work if possible.

Worcestershire County Council’s trading standards department administers a Trader Register, a directory of trades people who have signed up to Trading Standards' Code of Practice.

Residents can also protect themselves by keeping doors locked; using a spy hole and checking identification.

More information about Knock Knock, West Mercia’s campaign to tackle distraction burglaries and doorstep crimes, is available on the force website westmercia.police.uk