POLICE and trading standards officers have been out knocking on doors in Ludgershall as part of a proactive campaign to help protect residents from rogue traders and doorstep crime.

Neighbourhood officers PCSO Kaur and PCSO Douse joined forces with Wiltshire Council Trading Standards on Monday (March 9) to carry out the operation.

Around 70 homes were visited across several streets in the town, including Chamomile Drive, Primrose Road, Orchid Drive, Edelweiss Close and Teasle Close.

During the visits, residents were given information packs containing advice on how to spot and report suspicious activity.

Officers also handed out warning notices, door stickers designed to deter cold callers, and information about joining the local Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

The initiative comes as authorities warn that the warmer months often bring an increase in doorstep scams, with rogue traders targeting households by offering unnecessary or overpriced work.

Common tactics include claiming urgent repairs are needed on roofs or guttering, offering gardening or tree work, or advertising “free loft insulation surveys” that can lead to costly and unnecessary jobs.

Residents are being urged not to engage with unexpected cold callers and to keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours who could be targeted.

Anyone who has concerns about rogue traders or suspicious activity is encouraged to report it to Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133 or to police via 101 or online. If a crime is in progress, people should call 999.

Police say operations like this aim to raise awareness and help communities stay one step ahead of scammers, while strengthening local links between officers and residents.