Police clamp down on rogue traders

Police and trading standards officers from across the force area took part in a national operation on June 30 to clamp down on doorstep criminals. Teams of officers patrolled each district to identify anyone offering to do work at the homes of elderly and vulnerable people at hugely inflated prices or without proper paperwork.

Officers with special cameras were also checking a number of roads through the force area to identify any vehicles sought by police in connection with doorstep crimes or other offences.

Across the Bristol and North Somerset area 24 new No Cold Calling zones were also launched in Portishead, Pill and Yate.

The zones identify streets where cold callers are not permitted to conduct house-to-house visits unless they have a prior appointment in order to help stamp out illegitimate traders.

The activities were organised as part of Rogue Trader Day to tackle unsolicited callers who offer to do building or garden work which they then never complete or for which they charge unreasonable sums of money.

In addition to patrols and stop checks, trading standards and the police were out speaking to elderly residents and warning them about these types of scams.

The day of action is part of an ongoing campaign by a joint team of police and trading standards officers to combat rogue traders as well as distraction burglars and make the public more aware of them so people can look out for their neighbours and families.

Supt Trevor Margenout, who is the police lead on doorstep crime, said: “This type of crime is very callous as the criminals target the elderly and vulnerable members of our community and can cheat their victims out of thousands of pounds.

“The effect of these crimes can be devastating and some people who fall victim to this kind of crime never fully recover.

“The aim of this operation is both to identify offenders and to raise awareness and encourage people to be vigilant about these types of offences.

“Our advice to people is not to accept any offer of work on the spot from a cold caller. If you are thinking of having work done, we advise people to always get three quotes from reputable companies and ask friends or family for their recommendations.”

To contact the police call 0845 456 7000 or, in an emergency, call 999.
Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
To find out more about how they are keeping you safe visit the police Operation Relentless section.