Bank staff raised fraud alarm

by Lesley Wilkinson
WARRINGTON bank staff stepped in to stop a case of fraud – which could have resulted in an elderly couple paying £10,000 for basic gardening maintenance works.
During the past few years the borough council’s public protection team has worked more closely with Cheshire Police and local businesses, in a bid to tackle opportunistic doorstep crime, and has had successes.
Recently staff from two different banks raised the alert to two separate incidents of doorstep crime, after questioning rogue traders presenting suspicious cheques from well-known customers.
Cllr Mike Biggin, the council’s executive member for public protection, presented the quick-witted staff from the banks with certificates of commendation at the Town Hall.
He said: “My ward (Grappenhall and Thelwall) has one of the highest incidents of doorstep crime in the borough so I am more than happy to be here today to offer my thanks to the bankers and the Warrington and Halton Trading Standards team for their hard work.”
Inspector Gary McIntyre said: “Cheshire Police work in partnership with trading standards on a regular basis to ensure that robust measures are put in place to protect our community.
“In particular police officers and PCSOs attend rogue trader prevention and detection enforcement days working alongside trading standards officers which yield excellent results sending a very strong message to the criminal fraternity that we will catch you.”
Police and trading standards officers are asking people to provide information on any suspicious activity to help prevent doorstep crime, and to look out for other people especially those who are vulnerable.
Anyone who sees anything suspicious should call Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 or Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
Pictured: Bank staff receiving their certificates at the town hall.