Southam is a No Rogue Trader Zone
Twelve roads in Southam are about to become the first Yee Ha - No Rogue Trader Zone in South Warwickshire under a scheme operated by Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service. The Yee Ha campaign plays on the theme of Cowboy Traders.
From Monday 11th April 2011 residents of over 300 properties will be issued with a No Rogue Trader door/window sticker and information booklet following the theme of staying safe from cowboy traders. Street signage will reinforce the No Rogue Trader message and act as a warning to rogue traders that they will be reported if they attempt to trade in the area.
A survey of residents in the “hot spot” area highlighted that over 50% of people considered doorstep sellers a problem. This information, along with intelligence from Warwickshire Police and Warwickshire Standards Service has enabled funding for a No Rogue Trader Zone.
The zones aim to discourage rogue traders such as cowboy builders, sales people selling poor quality items at inflated prices or using high pressure sales tactics. The zones will also discourage those who use door step selling as the opening for distraction burglaries or to make plans for future burglaries.
Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection said:
“Other parts of Warwickshire have already benefited from the Yee Ha Campaign and I am delighted that we are going ahead in Southam. The scheme is proven to increase people’s awareness of rogue traders and protect them from Doorstep Crime.”
Mark Ryder, Head of Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards Service added:
“I am very pleased that residents in the Southam No Rogue Trader Zone have raised their concerns over doorstep crime and I am pleased that we can address those concerns with the Yee Ha campaign.
Residents in the area still need to be vigilant and look out for themselves and their neighbours. We know there are Rogue Traders out there but with this campaign we can stop them. Remember Suspect It, Report It.”
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the Rapid Response Team via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. Officers will reply either in person or by phone to a report of a suspicious caller in the area.
On Monday 11th April a team of officers from Warwickshire Trading Standards Service and Warwickshire Police will be in the area to promote the campaign and answer resident’s questions.