Day of action on rogue doorstep traders

Legitimate businesses in East Devon are giving Devon and Somerset Trading Standards Service a helping hand in its fight against rogue traders.

Devon and Somerset Trading Standards Service, Devon & Cornwall Police, the  Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and HMRC all took part in a day-long operation.

Trading Standards officers and Police Community Support Officers talked to legitimate traders and builder merchants in Kilmington, Axminster, Honiton, Sidmouth, Seaton and Colyton asking them to help trading standards officers protect the vulnerable from doorstep crime.

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with Cllr Roger Croadresponsibility for Trading Standards  said: “Rogue Traders are criminals who take advantage of householders by using high pressure sales techniques. Their work is often sub-standard or not required at all.

“We will not tolerate such dishonest trading activity, and will continue to do all we can to protect our residents, particularly the most vulnerable, and safeguard the economic interests of legitimate local businesses from such damaging unfair trading practices.

“We know that rogue traders have operated in the Seaton and Sidmouth areas and I want to thank the legitimate businesses we spoke to and encourage others to report suspicious activity  to help us stop these criminals praying on the vulnerable.”

If you are considering having work done at home you should always obtain three quotes from reputable businesses that come recommended, either by friends or via www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk. If someone knocks on your door and you are not sure, don’t open the door.

Please report any suspicious activity to the Police on 101 or Trading Standards on 03454040506.

To learn more about scams and doorstep crime, please visit our website and take our short scams awareness training session www.devonsomersettradingstandards.gov.uk