WEST Mercia Police joined forces with Trading Standards last week to crack down on rogue traders during a national week of action.
Operation Rogue Trader, which ran from Monday (May 8) until Friday (May 12) is a country-wide initiative aimed at raising awareness of unscrupulous traders who cold call victims and overcharge for unsatisfactory goods or services.
A typical tactic that the criminals will use is to provide fake contact details so the householder has no opportunity to get their money back. Most alarmingly, the victims are often targeted because they are vulnerable or elderly.
Additional patrols have been carried out by officers to raise awareness and advice has been given to local residents about the steps they can take to help prevent them from falling victim to rogue traders.
West Mercia Police continue to urge householders to protect themselves by using a spy hole or door chain to check who callers are, and not opening the door to anyone they do not know.
Evidence strongly suggests that there are links between those who commit distraction burglary and those who are involved in rogue trading. Those who commit these offences often cross county borders which highlights the importance of a national operation such as Operation Liberal, which is funded jointly by all police forces in England, Wales and Scotland.
If you do have anyone approach you at your property or otherwise offering services, use the following advice:
– Check the identity of the doorstep caller by telephoning the company they are purporting to be from. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory or provided independently by your service provider
– Check whether traders are members of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme or the Government Trust Mark scheme
– Discuss any work you feel needs carrying out on your property with a relative or friend who can help you find a reputable trader
– Don’t agree to any work or sign anything on the spot. Do not be pressured into having any work carried out
– Never pay cash up front and never go to the bank or cash point with a trader
– If you suspect a rogue trader is at your door then call 999
