Householders in region are being urged to drive out crews of bogus workmen who are currently taking advantage of vulnerable people.

Companies are travelling from various locations including the Yorkshire area to target elderly consumers, implying or stating they are working on the roads nearby and that they have spare tarmac to do cheap repairs.

In some cases they offer to carry out cheap work in return for being able to park vehicles on their drive.

Trading Standards have had numerous complaints from worried people who have been hit by massive bills once the work is done. The individuals demanding payment often become abusive and aggressive, and in many cases have accompanied elderly people to banks or building societies so that the money can be withdrawn.

Now they are launching their own investigation to try to catch the culprits.

Mandy Maxim, Principal Trading Standards officer, explains, the best course of action is always to refuse to have any work carried out. She said, "The type of offers made by these rogue traders often seem to be too good to be true, and regularly end up with consumers being heavily out of pocket."

Trading Standards would like to hear from anyone who has any information which may assist with their investigations, particularly from people who have been approached by these traders.

Anyone with information or queries regarding this warning should contact our advice line on 0845 600 1352. Further information on doorstep crime is also available from the doorstoppers website www.doorstepcrime.com