A BOGUS caller alert has been issued by police after reports of a man in his twenties carrying out garden work without permission in Kilwinning.

Officers in North Ayrshire are appealing for witnesses after the suspected scammer was seen around the Abbots Place area of the town on Thursday morning (February 3).

According to police, the white Scottish male was seen "conducting unrequested or unrequired garden work and thereafter requesting substantial sums of money".

Issuing advice to householders on social media, Ayrshire Police Division said: "Outdoor house and gardening work presents an opportunity for unscrupulous traders to target the most vulnerable in our society.

"Police Scotland are asking the public to follow its advice if they receive an unexpected, and unknown, caller at the door:

• Always ask for identification;
• Never feel pressured into making an on the spot decision;
• Never hand over money on the doorstep.

"More advice can be found on the Police Scotland website and via Trading Standards Scotland.

"Anyone who has received or witnessed suspect bogus caller/s, please contact 101."