Rogue traders are targeting homes and carrying out “substandard, overpriced and unnecessary” maintenance work, people have been warned.

Essex Police and the trading standards department at Essex County Council have warned people not to agree to work from traders who knock on the door offering tree cutting, gardening, roofing or other maintenance.

The warning, which has been publicised by Ongar Town Council, says the traders are “ripping off” members of the public by doing the often unneeded work to a poor standard before overcharging for it.

People have been urged to check that elderly relatives or vulnerable neighbours have not been targeted, and other tips have been issued to avoid being caught out.

These include never agreeing to household repairs from a knock on the door, and checking any leaflet for work as the address can often be false with an untraceable phone number.

Anyone requiring work on a property should also get at least three written quotes and ask family, friends and neighbours for recommendations, the council said.

To raise concerns or for tips about rogue traders, phone the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040 506.

Anyone threatened by a doorstep trader or cajoled into taking money from the bank should phone Essex Police on 101 or 999.