Crackdown on rogue traders

By Barrie Hudson - 8 July 2020

CommunityCrime

Rogue waste disposal firms were among those targeted in a day of action across Wiltshire.

  • One vehicle was seized by the police during the day of action

    One vehicle was seized by the police during the day of action

It was a joint operation involving Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council’s Environmental Enforcement and Trading Standards teams.

The day of action, on July 2, sought to stop rogue traders from carrying waste illegally and targeting and defrauding members of local communities.

Rogue traders often target vulnerable people and carry out works on their properties and gardens, or provide waste removal services, which are not needed or vastly overpriced. 

Linked to this is the illegal transport of waste or scrap metal which is often fly tipped in the countryside.
Inspector James Brain from the Chippenham Area Community Policing Team said: “The joint operation across multiple locations in the county enables us to all use our powers to tackle rogue traders in a joined-up approach with our partner agencies. 
"The impact of Rogue Traders on communities and individuals can be very detrimental. In addition, the knock-on effect is the waste that is generated ends up being dumped in fields and lanes, causing risk to livestock as well as the financial and environmental factors. 
"We work on intelligence and information from our local communities. If you suspect a rogue trader or know someone who is operating illegally, please report it to us or our partners.”
The day of action sought to stop rogue traders from committing illegal waste carriage and targeting and defrauding people in Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Salisbury and surrounding areas. 
A total of 50 vehicles were stopped, with results including an uninsured vehicle seized, a stolen trailer recovered, fixed penalty notices issued for failing to produce a waste carrier's licence and advice given on trading standards matters.
Councillor Simon Jacobs, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Doorstep criminals, often referred to as rogue traders, target the most vulnerable members of our community and con people out of their life savings for unnecessary and overpriced work.  
"They can have a detrimental effect on the victim’s health and their confidence as a result.  Intelligence sharing and joint working between trading standards and the police will continue.  
"There is no way we will tolerate criminals engaged in doorstep crime operating in Wiltshire.
“We strongly recommend not to use any traders soliciting work through cold calls or leaflet drops. We advise consumers to seek recommendations from friends and relatives or to use Trading Standards approved 'Buy with Confidence' traders that have been vetted and audited by trading standards officers.”
To find a Buy with Confidence trader, visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk 
If anyone suspects a rogue trader is at the door, they should contact the police by dialling 101. In an emergency, call 999. 
People can also report rogue traders to local trading standards by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

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