Thames Valley Alerts: Rogue Traders

Rogue Traders

Your local Neighbourhood Policing Team would like to make you aware of the following:
Rogue Doorstep Traders will use a trade as a means to extract large sums of money from people by:

• Offering services such as driveway re-surfacing, block paving, roofing, fascias, gardening or selling goods such as furniture, alarms or mobility aids.
• They may claim you have a loose roof tile or that a tree you have is unsafe and needs to be trimmed.
• They will often give a very low quote that will increase when work begins.
• Sometimes they will drive victims to the bank and will often come back on future occasions to get more money.
• They may come across friendly to begin with but then quickly become demanding and adding pressure which can be intimidating.
• Trying to convince people that work carried out was previously agreed.
  
• Please warn your elderly and vulnerable residents by:
• Make the person aware that they are never required to open their door to unexpected callers and that it is not rude to send someone away.
• Reinforce the message "IF YOU'RE NOT SURE DON'T OPEN THE DOOR".
• Encourage the person to set up passwords with their utility companies.
• Try to ensure that the outside of the property is well maintained, including the garden. Properties that are poorly maintained may be targeted.
• Advise the person not to keep money in the house and to keep credit cards, debit cards, cheque books, savings books and any other valuables in a safe place.

To report Rogue Trading in progress call 999. If you see any suspicious vehicles or incidents in your neighbourhood call the non-emergency number on 101 or visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk and report on-line.
For Trading Standards please ring Citizen Advice Consumer helpline on 03454 040506.