Date: 30 July 2007 21:56

SHUT THE DOOR ON ROGUE TRADERS

A special multi-agency rogue trader task force has been facing up to cold 
calling conmen in Cambridgeshire saving residents from being threatened or 
tricked out of their life savings.

 The task force, which includes Cambridgeshire County Council Trading 
Standards and the Police, has the fastest response time to a call out in the 
country. It actually stepped in for vulnerable residents so they don 't even 
have to speak to the fraudsters.

However, May saw 11 reports of cold calling and rogue trader incidents in 
Cambridgeshire. People have been conned out of their life savings, been 
marched to cash points to pay for shabby services and even had money and 
other precious items stolen.

Conmen have even been know in parts of the country to leave signals or marks 
outside people's homes to warn other distraction burglars to knock at or 
avoid a property.

This is why this summer the task force are asking residents to take heed of 
some helpful tips to reduce the risk of them becoming a victim to a rogue 
trader.

Residents are asked to exercise extreme caution when agreeing to have any 
work done by traders who knock at the door. Some door-to-door traders are 
genuine and scrupulous but others will not hesitate to take advantage of 
vulnerable people

Trading Standards suggests the following 'Does and Don'ts Top Tips' when a 
doorstep trader or other uninvited person comes to your home:

 DON'T
Don't believe all callers are genuine.
Don't believe the 'scare stories' a salesman may tell you - they are rarely 
true.
Don't believe genuine tarmac companies have loads over - they don't!
Don't sign anything or pay for anything until you are sure about it.
Don't believe special deals, 'today only' - it's high pressure selling.
Don't allow strangers to have access to your property

DO
Do check the identity of the caller by asking to see an ID card.
Do challenge anyone looking over your property - did you give permission?
Do consider if you really need the work done. Think before you decide. Shop 
around for the best deal.
Do ask the caller to leave you with information to study at your leisure.
Do remember you often have a short time to cancel a contract after cold 
call.

Cathy Inman, Doorstep Project Manager for Cambridgeshire Trading Standards 
said "The task force is successfully working to try and help prevent these 
conmen from preying on vulnerable people. On several occasions we have 
fronted up to these dodgy traders on behalf of frightened homeowners and 
stopped them. We ask people to please be on the look out for traders who are 
cold calling in your area and look suspicious. If you see anyone suspicious 
please contact Trading Standards. Your phone call could prevent another 
elderly resident being conned out of their savings. In two recent incidents 
two elderly Cambridgeshire Residents were conned out of a total of £60,000."

Detective Superintendent Jeff Hill said rogue traders and cold callers were 
known to also be involved in associated crime. He said: "This type of crime 
has a huge impact on victims' health and peace of mind, in addition to the 
loss of large amounts of money. These criminals target vulnerable people and 
it is important we work together to stop it happening. I would also 
encourage anyone with elderly relatives, neighbours or friends to talk to 
them about these issues and look out for their welfare."

Staying safe tips:
LOCK: Make sure your door is locked when you're at home and don't unlock it 
until you're sure who is on the other side.
STOP: If someone appears at your door, and you're not expecting any 
visitors, check that all the doors are locked. Look through the spy-hole or 
the window to see who it is.
CHAIN: If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first. 
Keep the bar or chain on while you are talking.
(Normally, when the door is shut and locked, leave the bar or chain off, in 
case you need to get out in an emergency)
CHECK: Ask for, and double check, their identity card. And if you're still 
not sure, ask for a number you can ring to confirm their identity. If they 
can't show you any identification, don't let them in.

Anyone with information about distraction burglaries should call 
Cambridgeshire Police on 0845 456 4564 and anyone who thinks they have 
become a victim or believes distraction burglars are operating in the area 
should call 999.

Cambridgeshire County Council and its partners produce a " We're Not Buying 
It' information and door sticker, aimed at helping you to avoid problems 
with doorstep selling. You can request a FREE copy of these from 
Cambridgeshire County Council by phoning our partner Consumer Direct on 
08454 040506.

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Distraction Burglary & Rogue Trader Task Force 
also run a Registered Trader Scheme that was set up for older residents and 
people with learning difficulties or physical disabilities. If you are 
eligible for the scheme and are looking for a trader who will do a "fair 
days work for a fair days pay" contact Age Concern on 01354 696677.

John Reynolds