AN urgent warning has been issued after a spike in rogue traders targeting vulnerable elderly householders in the Dursley area.

Over the last few days, police have issued five separate appeals following suspicious incidents in Cam, Dursley, Slimbridge, Stone and Berkeley. 

Officers attended an incident in Dursley on Thursday, February 15 after an elderly woman in her 90s was asked to send thousands of pounds to scammers in Columbia. 

Stroud police said officers were at the scene when the scammers rang again and were intercepted by a PCSO.

Meanwhile, there have been reports of two men targeting elderly homeowners in the Cam area by offering to clean driveways.

According to officers, the pair have been "forceful" in their approach and usually begin cleaning driveways despite residents saying no.

Police say the pair leave properties and eventually return offering to complete the work for £500.

According to Gloucestershire police, one trader has also been asking vulnerable and often elderly people if they want their roofs cleaned. 

One victim from the Stone area ended up handing over £4,600 for a jet wash. 

Officers say they have since discovered that other residents in the area have also given away money. 

They say the suspects include a group of young men with Irish accents who drive a grey van.

Meanwhile, a warning has also been issued about a group of three males who are putting leaflets through doors asking for unwanted jewellery or antique items. 

According to an alert, police believe the group are from the same family, and are "aggressive in nature" and later return to homes asking for their leaflets back.

One victim from the Berkeley area reportedly invited one of the males into her home only to later discover that some of her beloved items had gone missing.

Lastly, police have issued a warning about a group of males reportedly using a named trade name. 

Officers say a resident from the Slimbridge area agreed to have his driveway replaced by the group. 

He complained to police as he said the work was "not good" and felt intimidated by a "very aggressive male" who spoke with an Irish accent.

Police say to contact 101 if you receive a visit from a rogue trader. 

If you have more information about these incidents contact PCSO Mike Trebble.

You can view the police community alerts here - tinyurl.com/dzd458r5 and tinyurl.com/y7c7tt27