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Most traders are legitimate business people running reputable companies but a small minority can be unscrupulous opportunists and Denbighshire’s Trading Standards team are intending to find them as part of an on-going campaign.

Officers are working with the North Wales Police and have already carried out exercises, randomly carrying out spot checks on traders, particularly those working on property repairs.

Denbighshire’s Principal Trading Standards Officer, Tony Young, said: “One of the primary aims of such a high profile exercise is not only to ensure residents are not being duped, but to ascertain if the trader had ‘cold called’ their client.

“In many instances, if a householder receives an unsolicited visit, the law requires the contractor to give a notice stating the householder has the right to a seven working day ‘cooling off period’.

“Residents should always be wary of people who approach them out of the blue suggesting work needs doing to their property or that they have some materials left over for a cheap price.

Tony Young advised: “Be firm and decline the offer. If you find it difficult to do this, ask them to provide you with a written quote detailing all the work they propose to do or tell them you will seek a second opinion from a local trader before committing to any work being done.”

He also urged people to be mindful of elderly or more vulnerable neighbours if they think the area is being targeted by rogue traders.

“Remember, it could be your family or friends who could become the next victims of a rogue trader. If you have any suspicions about the intentions or identity of callers to your home – if in doubt, keep them out!”

“Any reputable trader would not mind providing quotes or proof of identification.”

Denbighshire Trading Standards and North Wales Police will be undertaking further preventative initiatives to monitor such activities in the County and will be supporting community groups such as Neighbourhood Watch and Victim Support to help deter such unwanted visits.

If anyone has any concerns, they should contact North Wales Police on 0845 607 1001 for the English line or the Welsh line on 0845 607 1002 or Denbighshire Trading Standards team can be contacted on 01824 706057.