A “highly suspicious” roof company is allegedly operating in the Beckenham area, billing residents tens of thousands of pounds for minimal repairs.

Bromley Council has issued a warning following reports in recent days from at least two residents who responded to either a leaflet advertising work or a cold call.

The residents, who are not being named, were asked for a total of £60k where little work was needed.

Trading Standards Officers were on hand to question 4 alleged tradesmen in conjunction with the Police.

Whilst investigations are continuing, the north London address of the company name given, Surefix Roofing & Construction, which is suspected to be false.

Trading Standards are asking for any information which may help in its ongoing investigation.

Councillor Angela Page, Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Enforcement and SCAMbassador, said: “Thank you to the alert residents who have made contact with our Trading Standards team to draw our attention to this.

“As we know that older residents in particular are targeted as they are seen as more vulnerable, please raise this with older friends or members of the family for their awareness.

“It is deeply upsetting to people who have unwittingly paid a rogue trader, often large sums of money, for work that is not needed or exaggerated.

“Be highly suspicious of anyone you don’t know, especially if they just knock or post a leaflet through your door. Make checks and compare prices.”

Trading Standards advise residents not to deal with doorstep callers or contact traders from the leaflets that are delivered without making thorough checks beforehand.