Operation Rogue Trader formed part of Operation Relentless – a large scale crime initiative which began in the county at the beginning of May.

I joined Trading Standards officer Paul Niblock and Pc Stephen Harper as they travelled around the district checking on builders, roofers, window fitters and gardeners.

Before we left the team was briefed at Derbyshire Police Headquarters where positive actionwas called for by Sgt Simon Beale.

The aim was to find doorstep traders who deliberately overcharged for unsatisfactory or unnecessary services, damaged property in order to obtain money, left work unfinished, intimidated customers to extort money, and even exchanged information with distraction burglars.

Trading Standards officer Paul Niblock has been in the business for 27 years and knows when rogue traders are most likely to strike.

He said: "Anybody who knocks on the door these days is probably a rogue trader. I can't think of any business which gets work just by knocking on doors.

H explained that they were devious and offered to do work such as roofing when tiles have fallen off after windy weather. He said they would say they had the ladders with them and could do the work instantly.

"In one incident the cost started at £450, it then went up to £850, they then told the customer that it was worse than they thought and it went up to £3,000 for scaffolding. They told the victim they would get the money back when the job was finished," said the expert on the subject.

The elderly occupant of the house was forced to go and stay with a relative as he was too scared to go home.

"Target areas tend to be properties where older people live who can't do their own maintenance." Paul said.

"Rogue traders target older and single people, especially little old ladies whose husbands always did work in the past.

"They will tell the customer how much it is going to cost to go ahead with the work but won't produce any paperwork, then the cost rises.

"By then it's too late, they have started and they will say they need the money to finish the job."

Paul advised that if anyone gave any money in advance they should always get a receipt.

PC Harper said: "It's amazing how many people try this kind of thing and we don't know about it until we hear from victims of it."

However on the day I joined the team everyone we stopped and checked out in Langley Mill, Ripley, Heanor, Alfreton, Pinxton and Belper worked for a genuine firm. The team said that the fact that we did not see any rogue traders in the short time I spent on the operation was a positive indication that there may not be that many operating in Amber Valley.

Sgt Beale said: "Last year we had positive feedback from traders that were legitimate. The operation safeguards them and their customers"

n Have you ever been duped by a rogue trader ? Tell us your story, by calling the newsdesk on 01773 514170.