OFFICERS have reminded residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious traders who offer to carry out work on their homes.

The warning comes after reports of rogue traders pretending to be tree surgeons overcharging victims for work carried out and waste disposal in Southend, Grays and Chelmsford.

The force has said it has received many reports from victims who have stated that they have received leaflets from various companies advertising tree surgery services.

The victims have allowed the traders to carry out the work only to be overcharged for the work or the disposal of waste.

If you have any concerns about traders that have contacted you offering tree surgery services, contact our Serious Economic Crime Unit: 42001260@essex.pnn.police.uk. Please dial 999 if the trader is being threatening.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

You can also call the Trading Standards national helpline, run by the Citizens Advice Bureau, on 03454 040506, if you have concerns about a trader you wish to use to carry out work.

Trading Standards advise anyone looking for a business to carry out work on their property or garden to consider using one of their Buy With Confidence traders.

These have been audited and approved by Trading Standards. To get details of the nearest three to your postcode call 03454 040506 or go to www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

For more information on Rogue Traders visit our website: https://www.essex.police.uk/advice/rogue-traders/