Police crackdown on rogue traders

A POLICE crackdown on illegal traders and doorstep criminals, who take advantage of vulnerable members of the community, took place during a day of action across Warrington and the rest of Cheshire.
Officers, along with partner agencies, worked together by increasing patrols as well as giving advice and reassurance to local residents including the elderly community.
The clampdown was part of a national day of action to target rogue traders who often profit unscrupulously from elderly and vulnerable victims.
Rogue trading refers to the practice of deliberately overcharging for unsatisfactory goods and services. This includes charging of unnecessary work, damaging property deliberately in order to obtain money, leaving work unfinished and intimidating behaviour in order to exhort money.
Inspector Steve Griffiths, who co-ordinated the rogue trader operation in Cheshire, said: “Although the majority of traders out there are genuine, unfortunately there are people who take advantage and exploit the community, often those who are the most vulnerable in our society.
“Throughout the year we work with agencies to issue crime prevention advice as well as help residents know how to better protect themselves from illegal traders who try to deceive and manipulate them. This  operation was another opportunity for us to further reassure the community and to send a clear message to rogue tradesman and cold callers that we will not allow them to cause such a devastating impact on
residents.”
During the operation, officers gave four cars prohibition notices after deeming them so dangerous they were taken off the road there and then. At least 150 other vehicles were also stop checked. A man, who was delivering leaflets to homes, was also stopped and spoken to by officers.
Inspector Griffiths added: “The success of this operation does not stop here, we will continue to deter those who commit these offences but I would also encourage the local community to follow simple steps to help prevent these crimes as well as ask them to look out for the elderly or vulnerable neighbours.”
Anyone who has any information about rogue tradesman or is worried that a relative or friend is being targeted is asked to contact Cheshire Police by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.