POLICE have issued a warning against rogue traders after they received a report of five or six men going door-to-door in a Dorset village.

Police officers were called to Charmouth, Bridport, on March 10 after they received a report of a group of men knocking on doors offering property surveys and building materials.

The report has prompted the police to issue a warning to all residents about rogue traders.

A spokesman for Bridport Police said: "On March 10 police were called to the Charmouth area after receiving a report that five or six males were going door-to-door offering property surveys, building materials and cladding.

"The males were not wearing Covid masks and fled in their cars when they saw a police vehicle arrive. The vehicles were a Black Jaguar BV19M*N, a dark grey Ford Focus NL09*BU and a grey BMW CN05*RU.

"If you see any of those vehicles in your area or are concerned or intimidated by a caller at your door then please contact Dorset Police.

"To protect yourself from rogue traders or those that may be attempting to get into your home to steal from you, Dorset Police recommend that you: install and use a door chain before opening the door to a stranger, never agree to any work offered on the doorstep, no matter how urgent the caller says the work is, always get three written quotes for work and if possible obtain recommendations of trade workers from family and friends, and never pay cash upfront.

"Please also note that a trader must provide you with cancellation rights in writing."