HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged to be vigilant following a spate rogue trader incidents. A man has been visiting householders in West Norfolk offering to gravel their driveways – in one case charging the victim more than �1000. The incident took place at aro

HOUSEHOLDERS are being urged to be vigilant following a spate rogue trader incidents.

A man has been visiting householders in West Norfolk offering to gravel their driveways - in one case charging the victim more than �1000.

The incident took place at around 1pm on Wednesday, 11 March, in Gravel Hill Lane, West Winch, King's Lynn.

A man called at the property and told the householder he had some gravel left over from a job and offered to gravel her driveway.

He offered to charge per square yard but once the job was completed said it would cost more than �1000.

Det Con Steve Matthews, of Operation RADAR, set up to tackle rogue traders, said: "On each occasion the man tells the householder that he has some gravel left over from a job and that he needs to clear his truck because he needs to pick up some equipment.

"He then offers to charge per square yard and once the job has been done the householder doesn't realise what they had got themselves into."

Other locations the man has targeted include Watlington on Thursday, March 5 and Wretton near Downham Market, yesterday Thursday..

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have been approached in a similar manner.

Norfolk County Council's Trading Standards Officers request that residents never agree to have work done, or buy goods from, someone that calls unannounced at their door, or approaches them on the street.

Often such traders don't provide full names, trading addresses or contact telephone numbers, resulting in it being virtually impossible to trace them if there are any problems with the work or goods - which is all too often the case.

Such traders often ask for cash upfront, and don't offer the entitled 7-day cancellation rights also.

Anyone experiencing problems with traders, or needing further advice, can call the national consumer helpline - Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Anyone with any information about any of the incidents should contact DC Steve Matthews at Operation RADAR on 0845 456 4567.