Rogue Trader Crackdown
More than forty businesses operating at people’s homes were checked by Warwickshire Trading Standards Service on the latest national “Day of Action” against Rogue Traders.
On Tuesday 19th May, along with the Police and Housing Benefit Investigators, Warwickshire Trading Standards Service took part in the coordinated initiative designed to target rogue traders, uninvited doorstep callers and distraction burglars.
The intelligence led approach enabled the agencies to target areas of Warwickshire where it was thought doorstep crime was actively taking place. The aim was to catch the rogues ‘at work’ and also to raise community awareness.
The vast majority of traders working at customers homes were genuine. However, some of the offences that were being committed included; claims of false membership of a trade organisation, failure to explain customer’s cancellation rights and the arrest of a trader wanted under warrant. One uninsured vehicle was seized and a potential housing benefit offence identified.
Doorstep criminals use a number of different techniques, dependent upon the individuals they are targeting. One day they may offer to replace guttering, another they may claim to be from the water board and gain entry to a property to steal a purse or wallet. In addition they may also be trying to claim benefits they are not entitled to.
The “Day of Action” sends out a strong message to unscrupulous traders, uninvited doorstep callers and criminals who prey on vulnerable residents. Doorstep crime can affect the most vulnerable and elderly people within communities - this may be your own parents, grandparents on neighbours. The aim is to stop the people who intimidate, con, scare and humiliate vulnerable people for their own monetary gains.
Mark Ryder, Head of Warwickshire Trading Standards Service said, “This day of action enables us to send a clear message to rogue traders that Warwickshire Trading Standards Service continues to be proactive in targeting them whenever and where ever they operate.
"We are committed to raising public awareness of this type of activity, and protecting consumers and legitimate businesses from doorstep criminals.
"If you suspect a rogue trader is operating in your street then report it to Trading Standards by contacting Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.”
The day of enforcement action precedes the month long Rogue Trader Awareness Campaign beginning on the 1st June. The campaign aims to inform and advise consumers before they have any work carried out on their properties.