FRANCHE and Blakedown residents are being urged to be vigilant as unknown men are posing as tradesman from reputable companies in the area.

There have been two incidents in the Kidderminster area which two different men have approached residents to collect money for window cleaning they said had been done earlier in the week. The men were confident and convincing in their interactions with the residents - providing credible answers when questioned by the occupants.

The first incident took place on Friday, August 14, in Franche, between 7.30pm and 7.45pm.

The suspect is described as a white man, between 17 and 20-years-old with fair hair. He was wearing a white baseball hat, a blue anorak, a navy blue backpack with dirty rags hanging from his trouser waistband.

The second incident took place on Tuesday, September 15, in Blakedown between 3.30pm and 3.45pm.

The suspect in this incident is described as a white man in his late twenties or early thirties. He is thought to be between 5ft8 and 5ft10, of a slim build with dark hair. At the time of the incident he was wearing blue jeans and carrying a Chamois leather cleaning cloth.

The two incidents are not thought to be linked at this stage.

West Mercia Police have issued the following advice for bogus trade callers here.

If you have any information please contact West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident reference number 334S of August 19.

Alternatively, information can be anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.