Don't let a rogue con you out of your cash

Annabel Williams • Published 6 Aug 2009 15:00 0 Comments

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A BAND of rogue traders scouting around Newbury, Spencers Wood and Mortimer for victims have been seen taking a roof tile off a home before offering to fix it for the householder.

Police and West Berkshire Council's (WBC) Trading Standards department are urging residents to be on their guard against opportunists after responding to reports of the gang, who drive a white Ford Transit van.

The crew of up to four men also asked a woman if she wanted her hedge cutting but even though she said no, when she returned from a shopping trip they were cutting the hedge and demanded £90 for their work.

Superintendent Robin Rickard, West Berks commander, said: "We take reports of this type of activity very seriously and will always act on information we receive from the public.

"In this particular case we received reports of rogue traders working in Mortimer and attended the scene very quickly. We subsequently seized three vehicles and police investigations are ongoing.

"I would urge residents to be vigilant to rogue traders and to alert police as soon as they become suspicious."

Trading Standards advise householders never to deal with doorstep traders to have work done on their home or garden, but instead to get three quotes from reputable traders or better still, recommendations from friends and family.

Neighbours are urged to look out for more vulnerable members of the community and notify Trading Standards with concerns, and if anyone is threatened or has suspicions that someone may be intent on burglary, dial 999 and ask for the police.

Sean Murphy, WBC Trading Standards manager, said: "We are always happy to come and talk to community groups about this important issue.

"It is always better to be raising awareness to help prevent people being taken in by doorstep traders than to be trying to untangle the problems caused by rogue trading activity."

The Trading Standards helpline is 01635 519930 and to report rogue traders, contact Thames Valley Police on the force's 24-hour non-emergency number, 08458 505 505, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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