Police have told people to be aware after rogue traders tried to scam an 81-year-old woman.

On Saturday, March 11, an elderly woman in Station Road, Edenbridge, was approached by three men who jet washed her driveway and demanded £300 as payment.

The trio, who were travelling in a white Ford Transit van which had an Irish number plate, eventually left empty- handed after a relative arrived and challenged them about the payment.

A warning has been issued to residents after similar reports of suspicious activity happened two days later in Broomfield Road, Sevenoaks.

This time, two men, who were driving a silver Toyota Hilux, were seen knocking on doors and offering to clean driveways. Police believe both incidents are linked.

Inspector Matt Atkinson, of the Sevenoaks Local Policing Team, said: "Some criminals will look to exploit the more vulnerable members of our communities by charging exorbitant amounts of money for work that is often completely unnecessary or at best substandard.

"We would urge residents not to deal with cold callers who knock on doors offering work to clean driveways, repair roofs or to maintain garden shrubs, hedges and trees.

"We are also asking neighbours to keep an eye out for vulnerable people, including the elderly. If you see anything suspicious don’t hesitate to call the police."

Kent County Council's Trading Standards issued a similar alert last week after men were seen in Bearsted offering to jet wash roofs and driveways.

Post Office staff raised concerns after an elderly person asked to withdraw a large amount of money.

The council is urging locals and businesses to be on the lookout for cold callers and rogue traders this spring as doorstep criminals often redouble their efforts at this time of year, with bogus offers of guttering and roofing repairs, or work on driveways and gardens.

Clive Phillips, KCC Trading Standards operations manager, said: “We advise all residents to avoid cold callers purporting to offer services as the vast majority do not possess the necessary skills to carry out the services they are selling. Say no to cold callers and if they refuse to leave, call the police on 999. Residents can find businesses vetted by Kent Trading Standards on our Trading Standards Checked scheme.

“We encourage anyone with information on these callers to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

“The Citizens Advice Consumer Service share all complaint data with their local authority Trading Standards service.”

You can also report doorstep criminals, counterfeit, fake or illegal goods anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

You can also report information to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.