This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
Rogue traders are individuals or groups of people who cold-call householders, often targeting vulnerable residents, claiming to be a legitimate business and offering goods or services, most commonly buildings maintenance and repair.
The offenders often charge excessive fees for the work, yet the work that is carried out is either sub-standard or not carried out at all.
Shoppers warned about rogue traders
During April, police and trading standards officers have been carrying out an awareness campaign and have recently held a road show at Tesco and Morrison’s superstores. There they talked to over 400 shoppers with information about doorstep crime and scams.
Officers also visited homes in Wootton, East Cowes and Porchfield with stickers which residents display to indicate that they do not buy goods and services at the door. These are known as No Cold Calling Zones and residents are given information to ensure that they know what to do if they are visited by traders attempting to sell them goods or services. In total, 233 homes were visited which brings the total number of homes within a No Cold Calling Zone on the Island to just under 29,000.
Inspector Paul Savill from Hampshire Police said:
“Although doorstep crime is not widespread on the Isle of Wight, people should always be vigilant.
“Rogue traders often target the vulnerable and we are working very closely with the council’s trading standards team to raise the awareness of doorstep crime and what to do if you are targeted to prevent you from becoming a victim.”
Just say no
Amanda Gregory is the council’s regulatory services manager added:
“The simple message from trading standards is to always say no to any traders offering to carry out work who unexpectedly turn up on your doorstep.
“The exercise to raise awareness of doorstep crime was very successful and we will continue to work with the police to tackle the actions of rogue traders.”
Get in touch
If you receive a cold call at your door by someone attempting to sell you goods or services, contact trading standards on (01983) 823371 or the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency and provide as much detail as possible such as description, any vehicles they were using and registration numbers.
Image: alanstanton under CC BY 2.0
