Vehicles Seized And Arrest Made: Rogue Trader Week 2016
This week police forces across the country have been taking part in a nationwide initiative to target rogue traders and provide education and reassurance to the public on how to deal with unscrupulous or unwanted callers.
Activities on the day ranged from executing warrants, identifying vehicles used by criminals through automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to conducting intelligence-led patrols in areas where older or vulnerable people live.
Throughout the South Wales force area officers and staff from partner organisations from local authorities, Trading Standards, Natural Resources Wales, Department of Work and Pensions, HMRC, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency together with specialist departments within South Wales Police have been carrying out a range of activities including commercial vehicle checks, street visits and calling on banks and post offices.
Check points were set up in Cardiff, Swansea, Bridgend and Neath which resulted in a number of road traffic offences being discovered and vehicles being seized. Some vehicles were also found to be running on illegal fuel and breaching weight restrictions.
One man was arrested in connection with trading standards offences following the execution of a search warrant in Swansea.
Chief Inspector Dean Thomas who oversaw the week-long operation said: “Rogue Trader Week is an annual national operation involving police forces across England and Wales. Throughout the week we have been working with our partners to raise awareness among the public of these unscrupulous people.
“Rogue traders are often linked to cold caller incidents where elderly and vulnerable people are conned. We have seen people robbed of savings or have paid astronomical amounts of money for repairs to their homes.
“Throughout Rogue Trader Week and during the previous seven days, officers have also visited various community groups and organisations to spread the important crime prevention messages.
“In other areas we have worked with community groups to reinforce the fight against cold callers and doorstep crime, linking with Trading Standards officers to introduce No Cold Caller Zones. These will help to prevent uninvited and unwanted cold callers who cause unnecessary distress for residents. We know that older, vulnerable residents in particular are targeted through this type of activity.
“While this week has helped to focus attention on the activities of rogue traders it is a battle we continue to fight throughout the year. I cannot emphasise too much how important it is for members of the public to be aware of the activities of these deceitful people. I also appeal to people to look out for their neighbours and if you suspect any one of being a rogue trader, please contact the police on 101.”
Pictured are PCs Martyn Langan and Mark Davies with Sergeant Tim Barrell at the Neath rogue trader check point.
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