POLICE in Cleveland are reminding householders to be vigilant after reports of bogus tradesmen trying to con residents.

Incidents were recently reported in North Ormesby and Berwick Hills whereby cold callers have asked residents for large deposits to carry out work on broken roof tiles.

These happened on Friday January 22 and Sunday January 24, and on each occasion the cold callers suggested a £1,000 deposit, with the final work estimated to cost around £3,000.

Cleveland officers say they want to remind residents to be vigilant around cold callers.

Inspector Darren Birkett, from Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Over the weekend we have seen a couple of reports of incidents whereby cold callers have quoted large amounts of money for seemingly small amounts of work.

“We would like to ask people not to deal with cold callers.

"People should not feel pressured to agree to work if they are contacted by people stating their property needs urgent work carrying out, or work which may be unnecessary, and we would urge people to only use reputable companies.

“We would also like to ask people to pass on this message to family members and neighbours and to keep an eye out for them and report any suspicious activity.”

Anyone who may have information regarding these incidents, or anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of a cold caller, can call Cleveland Police on 101.