Police swooped on rogue traders today - as part of a major crackdown on cowboy workers.

Officers joined Kent and Medway trading standards workers to carry out roadside stop checks throughout the county.

They also targeted homes where builders were working.

It comes after 348 complaints were made in Kent relating to rogue traders during 2008.

Kent Police’s Superintendent Neil Jerome, of the Partnership and Crime Reduction unit, said: "Unfortunately, there are people who take advantage of residents by claiming for repairs that aren't necessary, charging for work that hasn’t been done or carrying out poor standard work.

"Doorstep traders often give an initial cheap price to secure the job, but often the quality is poor and the final price is much higher than originally quoted.

"It is emotionally and financially devastating to those residents who have put their trust in a trader who does not deliver. Many may be unable to afford to get the work put right."

Audio: Supt Neil Jerome gives advice on avoiding rogue traders

He said today's operation involved checking traders were who they said they were, using

They also visited homes where work was being carried out, to check who was working there.

Kent County Council's director of regulatory services, Clive Bainbridge, said: "One of the problems that we have identified is people being repeatedly targeted, partly because they are not aware of how to contact reputable traders: Kent Trading Standards has its own trader approval scheme, Buy with Confidence.

"For details of approved traders visit www.buywithconfidence.info. You can also call Consumer Direct on 08454-040506 for details of Buy with Confidence, or if you have experienced any problems with rogue traders. Trading Standards is also involved with the setting up of Cold Calling Control Zones in the county, aimed at stopping people being targeted in the first place."

Reduce the risk of being a victim

To try and minimise your risk of employing a rogue trader:

• Do not deal with doorstep callers offering work on your home or garden
• Use traders who are members of officially recognised organisations
• Check that the tradesperson is from the company they say they are from
• Ask for quotes in writing
• Ring more than three traders to get a feel for an average price for the job
• Remember traders must give you written notice of your right to seven days cancellation when agreeing to do work at your home, including work gained from a cold call
• Please contact your local police station, if you have any doubts about whether a tradesperson is legitimate