Tameside Team Takes On Rogue Traders
Police have joined forces with Tameside Council’s trading standards and licensing teams, Tameside Patrollers, Age UK and housing providers to combat doorstep crime.
In recent weeks a range of activities have taken place across the borough to raise awareness of the dangers of opening the door to cold callers, as there have been a number of incidents recently where offenders have tricked their way into homes and stolen property.
Thousands of residents have received crime prevention advice, and a mobile police station was located at Tesco in Hattersley and Ashton town centre where people could talk to representatives from all agencies involved.
Officers visited second hand outlets, scrap metal dealers and gold shops to check paper work and property being held, resulting in the recovery of mobile phones and bags of DVDs.
Some stolen metal was also recovered, which is now being investigated by British Transport Police.
In addition, checks were carried out on traders who did not have land lines or addresses displayed on their vehicles, and blue badges used by disabled people were also examined to ensure they were valid. One person was fined for using a badge belonging to a deceased person.
To help combat rogue traders, residents are advised not to sign up for products or services at the door, but to use a directory of approved local traders which can be found at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
One resident recently paid up front for work that was never carried out, and police and trading standards are now investigating the matter.
If people do decide to buy at the door, there are various steps they can take to protect themselves and their consumer rights.
These have been designed to help consumers stay in control when dealing with traders at the door, and to allow them breathing space to make informed and sensible decisions without feeling pressured.
Judith Hackney, crime reduction specialist for Tameside, said: “Sadly we continue to see cases of vulnerable and trusting people being targeted by conmen, and we are committed to tackling this crime by bringing offenders to justice and making people aware of how they can avoid becoming victims.
"Even groups of people who are generally trusted, like council and charity workers, should always be asked for proof of identity. Our advice is simple – if in doubt, keep them out."
Tameside Council Executive Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Catherine Piddington, said: “We would urge people not to deal with tradesmen who simply turn up at their home unannounced looking for work and always seek several quotes and references before allowing any work to start. Residents should also never hand money over for work before it has been checked to a standard the customer is happy with.”
Residents are urged to call police on 101 or the Citizen’s Advice Consumer Helpline on 0845 404 0506 if they are concerned about the behaviour of a particular trader or traders.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Use 999 only in emergencies where there is a threat to life or property or a crime in progress.
ADVICE TO RESIDENTS
•Keep all external doors locked and stop and think before you open the door. If possible, look out of the window or use a door viewer (spy-hole) to check whether you know the caller.
•If you have a door bar or chain, put it on before opening the door.
•Ask to see an identification card and check it carefully, but ensure you close the door on the caller while doing this.
•If you haven’t got a door bar or chain, ask the caller to push their identity card through the letterbox, then check the photograph corresponds to the caller.
•Call the company to verify the caller’s identity, but don’t rely on the number given to you as it may be fake. Look it up in the phone book or call directory enquiries.
•Do not open the door until you are happy with the caller's identity.
•If you still have any doubts, ask them to call back when either a family member, friend or neighbour can be present. Genuine callers would never wish to cause distress and would be happy to call again.
•If you believe someone may be a bogus caller, try to note down a description of their appearance or the registration number of the vehicle they are using before contacting police.
•Do not deal with tradesmen you don't know on your doorstep. If you need work doing on your home, get several quotes and check out references. Never hand money over for work before it has been checked. If you are unable to check it yourself, ask a family member, friend or neighbour to do so.
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.
You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
Tameside Team Takes On Rogue Traders
Police have joined forces with Tameside Council’s trading standards and licensing teams, Tameside Patrollers, Age UK and housing providers to combat doorstep crime.
In recent weeks a range of activities have taken place across the borough to raise awareness of the dangers of opening the door to cold callers, as there have been a number of incidents recently where offenders have tricked their way into homes and stolen property.
Thousands of residents have received crime prevention advice, and a mobile police station was located at Tesco in Hattersley and Ashton town centre where people could talk to representatives from all agencies involved.
Officers visited second hand outlets, scrap metal dealers and gold shops to check paper work and property being held, resulting in the recovery of mobile phones and bags of DVDs.
Some stolen metal was also recovered, which is now being investigated by British Transport Police.
In addition, checks were carried out on traders who did not have land lines or addresses displayed on their vehicles, and blue badges used by disabled people were also examined to ensure they were valid. One person was fined for using a badge belonging to a deceased person.
To help combat rogue traders, residents are advised not to sign up for products or services at the door, but to use a directory of approved local traders which can be found at www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
One resident recently paid up front for work that was never carried out, and police and trading standards are now investigating the matter.
If people do decide to buy at the door, there are various steps they can take to protect themselves and their consumer rights.
These have been designed to help consumers stay in control when dealing with traders at the door, and to allow them breathing space to make informed and sensible decisions without feeling pressured.
Judith Hackney, crime reduction specialist for Tameside, said: “Sadly we continue to see cases of vulnerable and trusting people being targeted by conmen, and we are committed to tackling this crime by bringing offenders to justice and making people aware of how they can avoid becoming victims.
"Even groups of people who are generally trusted, like council and charity workers, should always be asked for proof of identity. Our advice is simple – if in doubt, keep them out."
Tameside Council Executive Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Catherine Piddington, said: “We would urge people not to deal with tradesmen who simply turn up at their home unannounced looking for work and always seek several quotes and references before allowing any work to start. Residents should also never hand money over for work before it has been checked to a standard the customer is happy with.”
Residents are urged to call police on 101 or the Citizen’s Advice Consumer Helpline on 0845 404 0506 if they are concerned about the behaviour of a particular trader or traders.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Use 999 only in emergencies where there is a threat to life or property or a crime in progress.
ADVICE TO RESIDENTS
•Keep all external doors locked and stop and think before you open the door. If possible, look out of the window or use a door viewer (spy-hole) to check whether you know the caller.
•If you have a door bar or chain, put it on before opening the door.
•Ask to see an identification card and check it carefully, but ensure you close the door on the caller while doing this.
•If you haven’t got a door bar or chain, ask the caller to push their identity card through the letterbox, then check the photograph corresponds to the caller.
•Call the company to verify the caller’s identity, but don’t rely on the number given to you as it may be fake. Look it up in the phone book or call directory enquiries.
•Do not open the door until you are happy with the caller's identity.
•If you still have any doubts, ask them to call back when either a family member, friend or neighbour can be present. Genuine callers would never wish to cause distress and would be happy to call again.
•If you believe someone may be a bogus caller, try to note down a description of their appearance or the registration number of the vehicle they are using before contacting police.
•Do not deal with tradesmen you don't know on your doorstep. If you need work doing on your home, get several quotes and check out references. Never hand money over for work before it has been checked. If you are unable to check it yourself, ask a family member, friend or neighbour to do so.
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.
You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.