While this weekend’s cooler temperatures might not have people thinking about outdoor work quite yet, spring is near – and so are those who try to take advantage of residents with home improvement scams.

The &#8220Irish Travelers” come to the area from North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia and try to sell homeowners various repair services at low prices, but often give inferior or incomplete work, said Trooper Todd Holder, public affairs officer for Kentucky State Police in Bowling Green.

&#8220They haven’t been reported in this area yet this year, but they typically stay in a hotel in Cave City,” he said.

Barren County Sheriff Chris Eaton said they have not yet arrived in his county.

&#8220We have received some information they may be coming, but we haven’t received any complaints about them at this time,” he said.

Jerry Corbitt, public information officer for the Bowling Green Police Department, said residents should be careful anytime someone offers to do work at a very low rate – the work they do is usually subpar.

Some have painted barns, which lose their paint after the first or second rain, or blacktopped driveways a mere 1/2-inch thick, Holder said. Then there’s their driveway sealing, which – like their paint – washes away after a couple of rains.

One of the hallmarks of such traveling groups: They drive large utility trucks with out-of-state license plates.

&#8220If you realize it’s them in time, don’t even answer the door,” Holder said.

But if they do make it to the door, don’t let them in the house – another part of the scam is to distract homeowners while partners enter through a back door and steal cash or property.

&#8220They used the distraction scam on my parents a few years ago,” Holder said. &#8220… If something like this happens, don’t get into an argument with the person. Call law enforcement and we’ll settle the argument.”

He cautions people to use only contractors licensed by the Bowling Green-Warren County Contractors Licensing Board, or similar agency in another county.

&#8220People should always be suspicious if an offer sounds too good to be true,” Corbitt said. &#8220Check it out, ask for references, and even contact the Better Business Bureau – and proceed with caution.”

When the travelers are in the area, as many as 30 of the utility trucks will be seen at a hotel in Cave City, Holder said.

&#8220They meet there and discuss what areas they’re going to focus on,” he said.

It’s difficult to catch one of the travelers, even if law enforcement officers have their names, Holder said – they all use family names which are so similar, just serving a warrant is nearly impossible.

Anyone who believes they may have been in contact with the travelers is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency.

– Kentucky State Police can be reached at 782-2010.