Stevenage Borough Council has advised residents to be wary after chancers tried to get into someone’s house by pretending to be building contractors.

The borough council issued a warning today after a report that two men claiming to work for United Living had been trying to con people in the St Nicholas area of the town.

A council spokesman said one of the men had walked off when asked for ID, and that the other had patted his pocket and claimed not to have it with him.

The authority said in a statement: “If they knock on your door claiming they need to check loft insulation and windows, please call the police.

“Any call-outs by United Living are made by appointment only, and staff will always carry identification. Please contact us or United Living if you are unsure.”

Anyone with information about the incident or has had something similar happen to them should call Herts police on 101.