Warning amid rise in rogue trader reports

Leicestershire County Council has received 84 complaints about roofing and general home improvement work in past 12 months

People in Leicestershire have been urged to be on "high alert" amid a spike in reports of rogue roofers and home improvement scams.

Leicestershire County Council said it had received 84 complaints relating to roofing and general home improvement work in the past 12 months.

Victims reported being harassed, threatened, and "escorted to the bank to withdraw large sums of cash", a spokesperson said.

Virge Richichi, cabinet member for regulatory services at the council, added: "These rogue traders prey on the most vulnerable in our communities, using fear and intimidation to exploit them financially."

The council said some of the work that had been carried out was "dangerously substandard, leaving roofs sagging, leaking, or in worse condition than before".

Some victims had paid "thousands for little or no work at all", the authority added.

Richichi said the "consequences" of the work "go far beyond poor workmanship".

"They can lead to serious structural issues, invalidate insurance policies, and cause lasting emotional distress," he added.

"We urge residents to be cautious and follow our guidance to protect themselves and their homes."