ELDERLY and vulnerable residents have been urged to be extra cautious after a group of rogue traders struck again...this time preying on a 70-year-old woman in Benfleet.

Police were alerted to a scam after tree surgeons carried out work at a property in Kings Road on Wednesday.

After agreeing a small fee, the traders asked for an extra £1,200 once work had been completed to remove the trees from the property.

The savvy homeowner refused to pay, but officers are concerned that other residents might have fallen victim to the scam.

PC Ian Risden, from the Castle Point community policing team, said: “Essex Police have received information that suspected rogue traders are operating in Benfleet.

“A tree surgeon allegedly carried out work by removing trees for an elderly resident for a nominal sum.

“Once the trees were taken down and loaded onto the back of the trader’s truck, the trader then insisted on an additional sum per kilo to remove the trees, which amounted to an additional £1,200.

“On this occasion the additional cost was refused by the resident.

“Please ensure that if you or an elderly relative or friend are contracting any trader to carry out work that the final price is agreed up front and read any contract before signing it.

“Speak to a friend or relative before making any commitment and preferably obtain references or use companies by personal recommendation. Elderly persons are particularly vulnerable to being exploited by unscrupulous traders.”

In August, Diane Turnbull, 78, and her husband David, 79, of Great Gregorie, Laindon, responded to a leaflet posted through the door by workmen and were given a quote of £600 - which later spiralled to £3,600.

Anyone with information about rogue traders can call Essex Police on 101, or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.