WILTSHIRE Council imposters have been targeting houses around Purton selling loft insulation.

Men wearing a yellow jacket with wording to suggest they were a surveyor tried to peddle homeowners loft insulation this week.

They also claimed to be working for Wiltshire Council, but official guidance by the council confirms they will never cold call residents.

Some private companies are known to install insulation and then charge the local authority for some or all of the costs.

Jerry Wickham, cabinet member for public protection, said: " A rogue trader on TV or in movies is often portrayed as a cheeky wheeler-dealer type, but the reality couldn't be further away from that.

"These doorstep criminals target often vulnerable members of our communities to part with their hard earned money for unnecessary, overpriced and low-quality work and the effects can be devastating.

"The vast majority of businesses in Wiltshire are good, honest and hardworking, and it's a real shame that there are criminals out there that can damage their reputation.

The council recently held a week-long operation to clamp down on rogue traders.

If anyone suspects a rogue trader is at the door, they should contact the police by dialling 101. In an emergency, call 999. People can also report rogue traders to local trading standards by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506