RESIDENTS are being warned to be on their guard for rogue traders advertising garden services.

The warning follows reports that a trader in Sherborne attempted to charge an individual £300 to cut a hedge. Police say that despite not carrying out any work, the trader returned several days later to try and collect payment.

Now householders are being urged to to think twice before contacting tradespeople who advertise landscape gardening services by putting leaflets through front doors.

"Ask a few questions before you agree to their services," a police spokesman said. "Do not let yourself get caught out.

"The Rural Crime team works in partnership with various agencies, including Trading Standards. We often find prolific offenders will be of notice to all of us."

There is also a warning about traders offering waste disposal services.

The spokesman added: "Is that rogue trader likely to legitimately dispose of that garden waste - or is that rubble going to find its way onto your field?

"If you are having work done and waste is being taken away, ask where it is going. Ask for a waste transfer note."

  • For contact information for Trading Standards see: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/contact/trading-standards.aspx
  • For information about how to report flytipping see: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-litter/reducing-and-reusing/current-campaigns-and-offers/tip-off.aspx
  • Call 999 for a crime in progress (e.g flytipping in progress), or call 101 for non emergencies (e.g a suspicious vehicle which has just been seen and may be a rogue trader).