Denbighshire County Council’s Trading Standards Team are warning residents about rogue traders and doorstep crime and advising people on what to do if they suspect that they have been approached by a rogue trader.
Rogue traders can affect anyone, but often elderly
and vulnerable people are targeted by offering home improvement services.
Callers may offer services such as window/gutter
cleaning, path and driveway repairs, roofing or building work, gardening and tree
maintenance or roof moss removal and can come across as being likeable pleasant
individuals but can quickly become forceful and very persuasive once they start
their sales pitch. Scare tactics about leaking gutters causing damp and roots
of trees damaging foundations are often used and it can be very easy to be
taken in by these individuals.
The Council is urging Denbighshire residents to
make themselves aware of legitimate trading practices when buying goods and
services in their own homes and promoting the simple message of “If in
doubt, keep them out” when considering whether to allow a trader into their
home or to start any work.
They are also advising that if you suspect that you
have been approached by a rogue trader to report them by calling the police on
101, or if a rogue trader has taken money from you, is in your home or still in
the local area, to call 999.
Cllr Win Mullen-Jones, Lead Member for Local
Development and Planning, said: “Rogue traders and doorstep crime pose a
risk, particularly to elderly and vulnerable residents in Denbighshire and so
it’s important that people know what to do if they suspect that a trader who
has visited their home is trading improperly. If you are approached by a trader
at home that you suspect may be rogue, do not allow them access to your
property, always remember ‘If in doubt, keep them out’.
“If a trader calls and states they have seen issues
or faults to your home, seek the opinion of another trader first. Don’t fall
for the scare tactics, pressure sales or price reductions, remember that
genuine callers will not mind waiting or returning after you have had time to
check their information.
“We strongly encourage residents to familiarise
themselves with the Council’s guidance on rogue traders and doorstep crime by
visiting our designated webpage.”
* Further information and advice about rogue traders and doorstep crime, as well as information about legitimate doorstep trading practices can be found on the Denbighshire County Council website: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/licences-permits-and-trading-standards/trading-standards/doorstep-and-workplace-sales.aspx
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