Essex Trading Standards are backing up police warnings about bogus callers.

The warning comes after three reports of burglary by men claiming to be roofers in a two-day period in the Braintree area last week.

In one case, an 81-year-old man was targeted twice.

A young man offering to carry out roof repairs stole £300 from the pensioner's wallet and returned later in the day and attempted to take more money from the householder.

Cllr David Westcott, cabinet member for environmental management and trading standards at Essex County Council, said: "You can protect yourself against criminal doorstep callers by simply shutting the door if an unexpected workman calls.

''Genuine companies won't mind if you take your time to make a decision."

Householders should report anything suspicious to trading standards on 01245 341888 or Braintree Police on 01376 551312.

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