Police crackdown on rogue traders

BOGUS callers and rogue traders, who visit the homes of the elderly and vulnerable in Warrington, were targeted during a crackdown on doorstep crime.
Police and representatives from the courts service, trading standards and Warrington Borough Council worked together as part of a special operation.
It targeted bogus callers and traders who con people into paying inflated prices for jobs around their home – such as fixing roof tiles, gardening, or laying a drive. Work carried out is often sub-standard.
Police and officials spent a day patrolling the streets of Warrington South checking that those plying their trade were genuine craftsmen – and offering advice and support to local residents.
During the day trading standards reminded eight traders of the legislation relating to the statutory seven day cooling off period and advised four residents of their consumer rights.
Two council enforcement officers advised one resident of their consumer rights and four tradesmen of the legislation relating to obtaining a waste carriers licence. They also issued a fixed penalty notice for £300 to one person for not having a waste carrier’s licence.
Police stopped vehicles and found two tradesmen in Grappenhall who were reported to the Department for Work and Pensions after they were found to be working and claiming benefits.
Sergeant Graham Robinson said: “The main focus of the operation was to target rogue tradesmen who profit unscrupulously from the local community – in particular the elderly and vulnerable.
“We hope that operations such as this not only help to raise awareness of the problems of rogue tradesman and cold callers but also provide reassurance to the local community.
“Rogue traders need to be aware that we are out and about in the town and we will track them down.”