Suspected 'rogue traders' target County Down homes

Police have said suspected "rogue traders" may be targeting homes near Castlewellan in County Down.

Officers received a report at about 12:25 BST on Friday 24 July, of a suspected scam in the Ballyward area.

A man allegedly agreed to carry out work at a property before completing additional work that had not been authorised and attempting to charge extra for it.

A similar report was made on Saturday 18 July, when work was allegedly carried out without the homeowner's permission before payment was demanded.

Insp Hardy said residents should be cautious of anyone calling uninvited to offer services such as driveway cleaning, roof repairs or other maintenance work.

"Whilst not all unexpected callers are rogue traders or fraudsters, those who are intent on committing crime will employ any tactic to engage you and get you to lower your guard," he said.

Police have advised people not to let strangers into their homes, avoid making advance payments and report anything they believe could be suspicious.