Police are urging vigilance after an elderly woman was targeted by scammers in Chester.

The woman was initially contacted by phone and persuaded to pay for work on her home, before being told further work was needed.

More money was taken for work that was not completed. When she refused to pay for further work, the men went to her home and allegedly refused to leave until she signed a contract for additional work.

A neighbour eventually stepped in and alerted Trading Standards and police.

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing with Trading Standards. Police believe the men are from the Manchester area and may have targeted other residents.

Lyndsey Whitehurst, from Cheshire Constabulary's Force Intelligence Bureau, said rogue traders commonly target vulnerable people in an effort to extract as much money from them as possible.

She said: "Rogue traders often appear to be highly professional. They can have printed leaflets and vehicles branded with their company name, making people think they are legitimate.

"They often use highly pressurised selling techniques to convince victims to use their services and charge exorbitant prices for work of a poor standard, or work that is never carried out."

advertisement

Police are appealing for anyone who believes they may have been approached by the men to come forward.

Lyndsey Whitehurst added: "At this stage we believe the men are from the Manchester area and are likely to have called or visited other residents.

"I would like anyone who thinks they may have been approached by these men to get in touch with officers.

"I want to encourage people to look out for any elderly or vulnerable neighbours by checking on their welfare and reporting any suspicious activity to the police."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or via the force's website. Residents should also report concerns to Trading Standards through their local council.