Police have issued a warning after an elderly man returned home to find traders cleaning his roof even after he had earlier declined their offer.

The Westgate pensioner opened his front door to a man who was offering to clean his roof in St Margaret’s Road on Saturday.

He returned home on Monday to find the men had started work regardless and grew suspicious when told the cost was far greater than what he had originally been quoted.

No money was exchanged and the victim reported the incident to police.

Cold callers have also been reported in the area of Melbourne Avenue, Ramsgate, where residents were approached and offered goods for sale on Sunday, September 9 at around 9pm.

Sergeant James Ross said: "Residents should not feel pressured into agreeing to services or goods offered by door to door salesmen. And, as in this case, they certainly shouldn’t be asked to pay for work that wasn’t ordered. Any incidents like this should be reported to us immediately.

"While many callers are genuine, rogue traders could charge you for work that wasn’t needed, or leave it unfinished until they receive more money, or even intimidate you.

"Elderly people are seen as easy targets, and may not feel confident in challenging a suspected fraud, so we ask residents to keep their eyes and ears open against rogue traders, not just for themselves, but for their elderly relatives and neighbours too."

Anyone with any information regarding these reports or residents who wish to report a similar incident in the area should call police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 10-0826 for Westgate-on-Sea or 10-0408 for Melbourne Avenue in Ramsgate.