Rogue traders are a menace and every now and again an incident rears its head and when it does it usually means that a victim has forfeited a substantial amount of cash.  They are difficult to prosecute for any criminal offence because the victim normally hands the money over willingly, but Trading Standards have had some notable successes in prosecuting rogue traders.

Rogue traders prey on the elderly and vulnerable, often conning them out of vast sums of money for work that is substandard, unnecessary and overpriced.  In some cases no work has been carried out at all.  Rogue traders can have seriously adverse effects on a victim's health and confidence once the scam is discovered.

The message is simple.  If you're not sure, don't open the door.  If you are suspicious of them or they are persistent, call 999 immediately.  Essex Police is committed to dealing robustly with rogue traders and they would rather have a call that turns out to be genuine rather than no call at all.

Last year's Rogue Trader operation saw nearly 2300 people arrested, £200,000 worth of property recovered, 1800 companies checked and over 10,500 vehicles inspected.

Police and Trading Standards give the following key crime prevention advice to protect against rogue traders and bogus callers:

• Never engage the services of a cold calling tradesperson
  
  


• Don't be hurried or frightened into employing their services
  
  
• If you require the services of a tradesperson, ask for a recommendation from family or friends.
  
  
• Get three written quotes before choosing a trader
  
  
• Check whether traders are members of the Local Authority Assured Trader Schemes (www.oft.gov.uk) or the government Trust Mark scheme (www.trustmark.org.uk)
  
  
• Never pay cash upfront
  
  
• If you suspect a rogue trader caller is at your door call 999
  
  

Please play your part by keeping an eye on elderly or vulnerable residents in your community.  If you think they are being targeted by a rogue trader, contact the policer immediately.

If you would like to have details of neighbourhood Watch please contact.
Clive Stewart, Essex Police, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator
Braintree District.  Tel: 01376 556 282.