DORSET Police have been patrolling the county's coastline to battle rogue traders.

They have teamed up with Trading Standards and Dorset Waste Partnership officer to target and disrupt suspected crooked traders within the county.

No offences were detected during patrols last Thursday, however the officers gave traders advice about their responsibilities within the law and toward customers.

Rogue trading includes charging for unnecessary work, damaging property deliberately in order to obtain money, leaving work uncompleted and using intimidating behaviour in order to extort money.

Police Sergeant Carmel Ryan, of Dorset Police, said: “We are committed to protecting the community from being targeted by rogue traders.

“We want to send out a warning to potential offenders that we do not tolerate rogue traders in Dorset and we will continue to work with our partner agencies to identify them.”

If any consumers are concerned about any work being undertaken, please contact Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 0345 4040506 and any concerns will be passed to Trading Standards officers.