Elderly residents have been warned to beware of rogue traders after three reports of possible conmen working in Thanet.

Police say men have been knocking on doors since Saturday and telling residents their homes need repairing.

None of the residents have parted with money but all said the men were persistent and gave a high price for the work.

In the latest incident, on Tuesday a man offered to fix loose roof tiles at a property in St Mary’s Avenue, Margate, at 12.30pm.

A police spokesman said: "During the incident, criminal damage was reportedly caused to the victim’s driveway wall, after which the man increased his quote for repairs from £20 to £1,250.

"When the victim, a woman in her 80s, said she would speak to her family first, he left and didn't return."

Police say the man, in his 30s and 5ft 5in tall, was smartly dressed with short dark hair and spoke with an Irish accent.

A second man, in his early 20s, was under 5ft 5ins tall and with light skin and dark hair.

Both left in a white Transit-style pick-up truck.

A man also offered to repair a roof in St John’s Avenue, Ramsgate, at around 1pm on the same day.

A woman in Dudley Avenue, Westgate, was asked by a man if he could repair her driveway on Saturday.

Insp Jason Brown from Thanet Community Safety Unit said: "While it is not uncommon to be approached by genuine doorstep callers looking for work, we are urging people to be wary of those who may be looking to exploit the more vulnerable members of our community by charging a large amount of money for work which perhaps isn’t needed and then pressuring them to accept the work."

He added: "Keep an eye on your elderly relatives or neighbours, make sure they know they do not have to accept on-the-spot repairs and if they have any concerns about their behaviour, call the police."

Police have issued a five-point check-list:

1. Don't allow anyone to pressure you into agreeing to have work carried out.

2. If you ask them to leave and they don't, call the police on 999.

3. Don't ever go to a bank or cashpoint with a trader; legitimate traders would never do this.

4. Use reputable traders who are members of the KCC Trading Standards approved-trader scheme, run in partnership with Checkatrade.

5. Ask for quotes in writing and check that the trades person is from the company they say they are from.

Anyone with information about the men should call Thanet police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/24132/19.