National Day Of Action On Rogue Traders Launched

A national day of action is being held across Merseyside to tackle rogue traders and doorstep crime.

Rogue traders often target vulnerable or elderly members of our community, by cold calling at their addresses, offering to carry out unnecessary work such as gardening or roofing and overcharging for unsatisfactory services or goods.

Rogue traders are often closely linked with the activities of distraction burglars – people who try to gain entry into homes to steal and who often pretend to be an official or a representative from a water / electricity company or even a police officer.

Police are working in partnership with Trading Standards, the Land Registry, UK Border Agency, HM Revenue and Customs and other partners, to carry out a number of activities in Merseyside to catch those responsible for this type of crime and offer reassurance to local residents.

The activities are part of a week-long crime prevention initiative, Operation Rogue Trader, and range from executing warrants, identifying vehicles used by criminals through automatic number plate recognition to conducting intelligence-led patrols in areas where older or vulnerable people live.

Officers have also issued crime prevention advice that could help others from becoming victims of such offences:

• Do not open your door if you are unsure of who the caller is - Always make sure visitors to your home are who they say they are by asking to see their identification. Do not let people into your property that you do not know

• Always keep the key chain on the door while talking to the caller and check their identity before letting them into your home. Genuine callers will not mind you doing this

• These types of people may pretend to be an official or may just ask for a drink of water or if they can use the toilet. Remember 'if in doubt, keep them out'

• Remember to close and lock the back door before answering the front door. Have a viewer or spy hole and a stout door chain fitted to your door

• Don't keep large quantities of cash at home, put it in the bank where it is safe

• Ensure that if you do let somebody into your home close the door behind them - distraction burglars often work in teams where one will distract you while others sneak in through the insecure door

• If someone asks for your help (i.e. needs to make a telephone call, lost a ball in your garden, needs a drink or pen and paper) ask a neighbour for help or assist them through a closed door or call a friend or neighbour to come and help.

(MH/CD)