Added: 21/05/2008

Category: Suffolk County Council

The dangers of rogue traders are being highlighted on Wednesday (21st May) as part of National Rogue Trader Day.

Trading Standards officers and police are urging people to be extra vigilant across the county and will be joining forces with Scambusters, HM Customs, Department of Work and Pensions and VOSA to carry out a day of action to counter the activities of criminals, distraction burglars and rogue traders.

These criminals prey upon vulnerable and/or elderly victims both in Suffolk and across the country. The impact of their actions on the victim can far outweigh any financial loss, with dramatic effects on quality of life and confidence.

Six police and Trading Standards teams will be proactively patrolling Suffolk checking on any suspicious vehicles or possible rogue trading incidents and also responding to any calls from concerned members of the public.

Commenting on the day, Suffolk County Council's Trading standards officer Tony Doorly said: "These rogue trader days are immensely useful for gaining intelligence on the ground about where the rogues are operating and who they are targeting. They get real results too. During last year's rogue trader day we stopped a white van full of dodgy sofas in Felixstowe and the sellers are due in court the next few weeks."

Inspector Ben Cook, from Suffolk Constabulary's Crime Reduction unit said: "These people target those who are most vulnerable in our society and we are committed to stopping them. I would urge people to call police immediately if they feel they are being targeted by a rogue trader or distraction burglary.

"I would also remind residents to look out for any older neighbours or relatives, and again urge them to call police if they have any suspicions about callers or workmen who have asked for payment when the work may not have been done."

Police and trading standards officers would urge people to take simple precautions to protect their properties from rogue traders. Some hot tips include:

· Use the door chain;
· If you don't know who is at the door, ask them;
· Check the caller's card. Never be afraid to confirm details by making a phone call;
· Most utility services offer a password scheme and a phone number, which you can ring to check the identity of callers;

· If in doubt, shut your door. Ring 999 to contact the police;
· Don't feel pressurised into buying items from doorstep callers;
· Be wary of anyone calling at your door offering to do repairs or gardening. If you feel the work is necessary, get personal recommendations and contact a number of companies for a written quotation;

· Shop around and get written quotes from a number of traders before agreeing to have work done;
· Check whether the trader is a member of a trade organisation or builders' quality mark scheme;
· It is reasonable to pay a small deposit but never pay in full in advance before work is completed;
· Don't keep unnecessary amounts of money at home; and
· Preferably use a trader who you know has carried out a good job for a neighbour, relative or friend.
· Remember you have cancellation and cooling-off rights if you buy on the doorstep. For more information call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or www.consumerdirect.gov.uk