Wiltshire Police are warning residents to be vigilant following a rogue trader incident in Swindon.

At around 2.30pm on Saturday, November 22, a man called at an address in Lyndhurst Crescent, Swindon, and offered to carry out work on the roof.

The victim, aged in his forties, handed over £600 as a deposit, the man left and has not been heard from since.

The man is described as white, aged 55-60, 5ft 6-8ins tall and of medium build.

He had very light coloured short curly hair, a light coloured moustache and spoke with an Irish accent.

He was wearing brown and green walking boots, a dark coloured jumper and blue jogging bottoms with blue jeans underneath.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who has information regarding this man or who has had a similiar experience in the area.

Householders are asked to remember the following advice:

• Always keep your door shut and locked.

• If someone comes to your door and you aren’t expecting a caller it is important that you check who it is by using a spy-hole or look through a window. DO NOT open the door to anyone you don’t know or are not expecting.

• Official visitors will always arrange an appointment with you beforehand – If no appointment has been made DO NOT open the door.

• DO NOT keep large amounts of cash at home – it is much safer in a bank or building society.

• Always keep purses and wallets hidden away from sight • Never keep pin numbers with credit or debit cards

• Never agree to have work carried out by someone who is just passing, or believe them that work needs to be done at all. If you think work might need to be done get quotes from three companies and ask friends and neighbours for recommendations.

• If you see anything suspicious or think a bogus caller may have called at your door, you must report it to the police immediately by calling 999.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Criminal Justice Investigator, Jon Brunt on 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 where details may be left anonymously if preferred.