ROGUE traders may try to perform unnecessary repairs on the homes of Bromley residents after last month's St Jude storm, police say.

This comes after a 75-year-old man, from Biggin Hill, was conned out of £16,500 paying for needless renovations to his home.

Rogue builders approached the man at his home on October 21, and offered to clean his gutters for £20.

When he agreed, they told him that further work was required on his property, and demanded £800 for labour and materials.

They then claimed they needed more money to hire machines and equipment to fix what they described as rotten roof joists and damp problems in the house.

The victim was later asked to make a balance transfer of £20,000 but refused and the suspects disappeared.

The works had not even been completed.

Detective Inspector Louise Knipe, from Bromley CID said: "Fraudsters and rogue traders target vulnerable and elderly people.

"With the storm causing damage to some properties in the borough, they may well use it as an opportunity to try and con more people out of money, which we are keen to avoid."

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Storm damage in Tudor Way, Petts Wood.

He added: "The simplest advice is not to open the door to unexpected or cold callers.

"If you do get a call from a builder or trader, then if they are genuine, ask them to come back when a trusted friend or family member can be there as well.

"If you’ve got to get repairs done following the storm, then use a reputable tradesperson or someone that has signed up to the trader register.

"I would also urge anyone with elderly friends or family to make sure they make them aware of our advice before agreeing to any works."

To check for registered traders in Bromley, click here.