COVENTRY Trading Standards officers joined a nationwide operation to target rogue traders and forceful doorstep sellers.
The officers were joined by police and other agencies in a week-long crime prevention initiative to catch rogue traders and to prevent innocent people from becoming victims of crime.
Last year’s Operation Rogue Trader saw nearly 400 people arrested, £153,200 worth of property recovered and over 10,000 vehicles inspected.
Trading Standards and police officers spoke to eight traders working on residents’ properties – most of whom were local traders who welcomed the initiative which protects legitimate hard-working tradespeople.
Coun David Galliers, Chair of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee, said: “Rogue trading is a UK-wide problem with evidence suggesting a number of burglars associate with rogue traders who commit offences and scams.
“This affects the victims’ health and their confidence, but thankfully our Trading Standards service remains committed to tackling the crimes associated with cold-calling home maintenance traders to help protect vulnerable householders.”
Mike Lynn, of the city’s Trading Standards Team, added: “It is not illegal for traders to sell at the door but this is a method often used by rogue traders who offer to carry out various home improvement or maintenance work.
“Attractive prices may be initially quoted but this may go up as more work is said to be needed and the quality of work is often substandard, unnecessary or overpriced.”
Trading Standards’ have advised people of Coventry to never agree to buy goods or services from people who unexpectedly knock on your door, to seek quotes reputable traders and use the trusted traders scheme.
People should report cases of Rogue Traders or uninvited doorstep callers to Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06.
