Be On Your Guard From Rogue Traders

Police are calling on residents to be on their guard from rogue traders claiming that work is needed on their properties.

Officers work with their partners in the Trading Standards Department to tackle bogus traders and are calling on people living in the Ewloe, Hawarden areas to be vigilant.

They are also urging anyone who has concerns or believe they may have been approached by bogus builders – or anyone turning up on doorsteps offering to carry out ‘urgent’ or ‘essential’ work to contact police.

The warning is being made after police were alerted to a possible recent incident in the Flintshire county area which is currently being investigated by police and Trading Standards.

This type of crime is particularly despicable in that the perpetrators target vulnerable people who are intimidated into handing over a cash value that far exceeds the standard of work done.

We want to do all we can to stop people falling foul of rogue traders who can be extremely convincing, but we need the help of the community.

Nobody should be pushed or bullied into having any work done and I would especially appeal to relatives and neighbours of vulnerable people, who can often be reluctant to highlight the issue themselves, to contact us if they become aware of this happening.

If work is needed on a property residents should contact traders who have worked for them previously, have worked on property for friends and family and have a good reputation. It is also a good idea to ask the builder / trader if the work really is required and get additional quotations from other reputable businesses.

If you have experienced  a cold call or been approached by a rogue trader – record as many details about the caller as possible including vehicle registration numbers and call police on 101  or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.