The council have warned the public to be vigilant after reports of conmen posing as workmen.

Enfield Council has announced it is investigating reports of bogus callers offering to carry out guttering and roofing work for initially low fees, then hugely raising the charges.

The authority say the fraudsters will over to clean pipes and rooves for between £30 to £180, but claim there are more problems when they get on the roof and start demanding cash upfront for men and materials which in reality is not needed.

The council say the work done “is almost always substandard and the price charged exorbitant.”

Cases have been reported across the borough, in Enfield Lock, Highlands, Enfield Chase, Bush Hill Park and Palmers Green.

Cabinet member for environment, Cllr Daniel Anderson, said: "We want to catch these villains before they con anyone else out of any money.

“Rogue traders such as these are unlikely to provide any paper work, tell you your cancellation rights or, mobile phone number aside, give you their proper contact details.

Cllr Anderson said people who have had recent work done should keep any paper work they have been given.

He also asked people to take pictures of any workmen currently doing jobs at their homes and make a note of vehicle registration numbers, but urged for no-one to put themselves in danger.

He said the council’s trading standards team are investigating a number of workers and have phone numbers of those who have caused suspicion.

More information and advice is available from Citizen's Advice on 03454 040506.