A Harrogate police officer has warned people to be wary of doorstep roofers charging “super-inflated prices”.

Phil Wright, a police community support officer in the Harrogate outer region of North Yorkshire Police, issued the warning in a post on the North Yorkshire Community Messaging service last night.

The post said:

Police have received reports of roofing traders in the area that are completing work and then charging super inflated prices into several thousand pounds. If you have experienced this lately please report on 101.

If you do engage with doorstep callers then clearly establish the work to be completed, any unexpected discoveries to be reported and price discussed before any work is done, and agree a fixed price before permitting any work.

If you can, take before and after photographs and see an invoice to prove the business is legitimate and registered. After work is completed do not pay until you have received your invoice. 

The post urged people not to be pressured into work until they have got alternative quotes and to make payments through an approved banking system.

“If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of workers, call police and report as much as detail as possible to Trading Standards,” it added.