Day of action to tackle rogue traders

Greater Manchester Police took part in a national day of action to tackle rogue traders on Wednesday 9 April 2014, joining Trading Standards officers and partners to carry out stop checks on 150 vehicles; of those stopped, two were seized for being driven without insurance or tax and 57 were dealt with for traffic offences including driving while using a mobile phone, no insurance and no tax.

During the day police also carried out roadside checks and used Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to identify vehicles being used to carry out crimes. A total of 82 businesses were visited by officers supported by partners to ensure the legitimacy of the goods being sold. A number of scrap yards were also visited as part of the day.

Thousands of crime prevention leaflets were delivered by PCSOs to members of the community in areas affected by bogus callers and rogue traders and at local supermarkets.

Detective Sergeant Vicki Kenyon from Greater Manchester Police, said: “Activity such as this sends a clear message to repeat and prolific offenders that they will be brought to justice if they commit crime.

“These callous criminals target our older and most vulnerable members of the community, conning them out of large sums of money, which is often life savings. It is by working with our partners that we are able to raise awareness of doorstep crime and ensure members of the community are provided with the best advice to prevent them from becoming the next target.”

Detective Sergeant Kenyon added: “Rogue traders con members of the public for what is often unnecessary and overpriced work. The effect of their shoddy workmanship can have a detrimental effect on victims’ health and confidence often leaving them feeling helpless.

“What many are unaware of is that these untrained and unqualified labourers are also often involved in other forms of illegal activity. This includes the vehicle they drive which may be untaxed or without insurance and even the tools being used which are badly maintained or even stolen.

“If you think a rogue trader is at your door, call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.”