COWBOY workmen could be trying to cash in on the recent bad weather by conning people into thinking their homes need urgent repairs.

That is the warning from Dorset Trading Standards officers and Dorset Police after the storms last week.

Householders are being warned not to sign up on the doorstep to having repair work done, however urgent the caller might say it is.

The work might not need doing or the workmen could be doing a poor job at inflated prices, officials warn.

Anyone approached on the doorstep should make a note of vehicle details, take a description of the workmen if possible and call police on the 101 number. If the caller persists, they should call 999.

Ivan Hancock, trading standards service manager, said: “We hope that most tradesmen will be honest and not exploit the situation, but there is always a risk that some might see this as an opportunity.

“We ask people to be vigilant and not feel forced or coaxed into work that is unnecessary or costly as well as keeping an eye out for any elderly or vulnerable neighbours”

Approved traders are listed at buywithconfidence.gov.uk, or from Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Householders are urged to get two or three quotes for any jobs.

Doorstep callers must give a written seven-day “cooling off” period and work should not start before then without written consent.