Householders in Hartlepool have been warned to be on their guard over the winter months as high winds encourage rogue roofers. The warning has come from Hartlepool Council's Trading Standards officers who said people were being ripped off.
They said cold-callers claim to have spotted a loose tile and offer to repair the damage there and then.
But Trading Standards warned people to phone their insurers for advice and get at least three quotations for the work.
High winds
They also said reputable roofer should give written details of the right to cancel proposed work within seven days.
Michael Welsh, the council's principal trading standards officer, said: "It is this time of year when you can expect an unsolicited knock at the door from a roofer.
"Many of these door-knockers are looking to prey on unwary homeowners, particularly the vulnerable.
"They are opportunists, who will be using the excuse of high winds to do work that does not need to be done and charge excessively for it in the process."
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