Week of actions sees police target rogue traders

Rogue Traders and pushy door sellers across Clitheroe were targeted by Lancashire Police in a week of action against the criminals who victimise the vulnerable.
Lancashire Police during an action week against rogue traders.Lancashire Police during an action week against rogue traders.
Lancashire Police during an action week against rogue traders.

As part of a national campaign, the police teamed up with Lancashire’s Trading Standards, HM Customs, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Vehicle and Operator Service Agency (VOSA), to tackle those who pressure people into having unnecessary and poor standard work undertaken at their homes and charging extortionate fees for the work.

During the week of action, previous victims and some of those who are at risk of being defrauded have been visited and given advice on how to avoid becoming affected.

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Roadside checkpoints were also set up across the region, crime prevention presentations were hosted at community venues and leaflets have been handed out at building merchants to share safety messages.

Police operation in actionPolice operation in action
Police operation in action

Police Sergeant Ian Corbett said: “Rogue traders are criminals who take advantage of householders by using high-pressured and forceful sales techniques.

“The work is often expensive, sub-standard and not required at all.

“This kind of criminality is often linked to distraction burglaries, which will be carried out by an offender gaining access to a property by distracting or deceiving the householder in order to steal their valuables or cash.

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“We hope that this operation will catch those responsible and raise awareness of the dangers of rogue doorstep crime.”

The public are being advised to never agree to work as a result of a cold call, only pay once the work is completed, check the identity of all callers to your home.