Police warning after rogue traders prey on elderly Norfolk pair and cause thousands of pounds of damage

Police are urging home owners to be on their guard after suspected rogue traders called at a house in Hethersett and started carrying out work without permission.

It happened at about 12.30pm on Mondaywhen four men cold called at an address in Ketts Oak and approached the elderly householder who was gardening.

A man in the group said he needed to deposit gravel and asphalt, which was surplus to requirements, on his drive.

The victim went to speak with his wife and when he returned the men had started putting the material on the driveway, and demanded they pay per square foot.

The couple said they had not agreed to any work being carried out and asked them to leave, before threatening to call the police.

Three of the men left in a van while the fourth left in a tipper truck which had 'hot tar' written on the back. The registration plate had been covered with a cloth and they headed towards Wymondham.

Damage was caused to the victim's driveway and also to the house where it splashed on the brickwork with repairs estimated to be several thousands of pounds.

Investigating officer, Det Con Andy Brown, from Operation RADAR, Norfolk Constabulary's team dedicated to tackling rural and doorstep crime, urged householders to be vigilant.

He said: 'My advice is simple. Do not trade with any person on your doorstep who arrives unannounced and unexpectedly telling you that you need to buy something or that some kind of work needs doing urgently to your house or garden.

'If this happens, ask yourself why is this person telling me this, politely decline and if you have opened the door, close it. If you are not happy then call us.'

Police are keen to hear from anyone who saw vehicles being driven in a suspicious manner in the Hethersett or Wymondham areas.

Anyone with information should contact DC Brown at Operation RADAR on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.