RESIDENTS are being warned to be vigilant after reports of rogue traders in Astley Bridge and Sharples.

Officers from the Bolton North neighbourhood team said they were called after locals said they were being offered garden services on Monday.

Posting on their Facebook page, officer said: "Officers from the Sharples and AstleyBridge Neighbourhood Team attended reports of rogue traders offering garden services in the Sharples area.

"Please remain vigilant, look out for your neighbours and report suspicious activity to the police."

Rogue traders are those who take money and carry out unnecessary work, inferior work or sometimes no work at all.

Police say the people should never pay for services upfront.

Ensure people check out the company before making contact, reports any incidents to trading standards and to alert nearby residents.

For more information about this and doorstep crime in genera, such as distraction burglary, bogus officials and high pressure sales lvisit www.gmvictims.org.uk/find-information/ive-been-affected-by/doorstep-crime.