Rogue traders have reportedly been operating in a Wiltshire town and have “bullied and victimised” vulnerable customers.

Police and Trading Standards have warned they are aware of a number of recent incidents involving doorstep traders in the Bradford on Avon and Holt area.

These rogue traders have allegedly carried out unnecessary work, falsely claimed to have completed jobs, or deliberately damaged properties to create more work.

Customers have also been overcharged, with some victims driven to a bank or cashpoint “to obtain money under duress.”

Police say the suspects have “bullied and victimised” vulnerable people into having the work done and paying for it.

Officers have issued a warning, alongside Trading Standards, urging people to report doorstep traders.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Please report any cold calling of doorstep traders and canvassers to the police non-emergency number 101 or call Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

“If you have vulnerable and or elderly neighbours, please keep an eye out to see who is attending their property and report anything suspicious to 101.”

Consumers are advised to never buy anything from cold callers.

Those who have agreed to have work done may be able to cancel their contract with no further payments, and may be eligible for refunds, within a 14-day cooling off period.