Police are warning people to be aware following a rogue trader incident in Dunmow last week.

The incident last Thursday involved someone offering to carry out work to a driveway claiming they had spare shingle.

It was reported the van had the words 'highway maintenance' on the side and Essex Police say they have noticed an increase in bogus callers.

Chris Heaffey, from Essex Police’s Crime Prevention Unit, said: “We have noticed an increase in rogue traders and bogus callers recently, who call at your door claiming to be qualified tradespeople offering to do work on your home.

“These people may call and claim you need services like repairs to your roof, lawn or fences, your driveways power washed or repaired or replaced, garden services, or waste clearance.

“They may seem friendly and persuasive but too often they target vulnerable, elderly people.

“They may also claim to know your neighbours and say they’ve done work for them but often they promise to do work which didn’t need doing in the first place.

“Rogue traders and bogus callers will also travel around the county trying to trick and con people out of their money so I’d urge the public to be vigilant and call us if they see or hear anything suspicious.”

If you think you've been taken in by a rogue trader call police on 1010 or contact Trading Standards.

If you feel threatened by a sales person in your home, call 101.