Sussex Police and Trading Standards join national rogue traders crackdown

The day of action forms part of a week of activities being led by the police service and trading standards and has seen police officers, trading standards officers and members of government agencies join forces. The campaign aims to target rogue traders and highlight the dangers consenting to have work carried out by cold callers can bring.

Sergeant Chris Lane said; “In Sussex, police, working with Trading Standards and other agencies, are using intelligence and Automated Numberplate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to seek out vehicles used by people suspected of being involved in rogue trading activity.

“The scale of the problem is difficult to quantify, as often victims do not report offences, and the offences reported can be recorded in several different ways, including fraud, theft, and intimidation. But anecdotal evidence makes it very clear this is an issue law enforcement needs to focus on. Trading Standards officers in the joint patrols will be checking on traders they see working at private addresses to ensure they are complying with the relevant legislation.”

Part of today’s campaign has involved a series of targeted visits by PCSOs to some areas where elderly people may be particularly at risk.

Trading Standards Institute’s chief executive Ron Gainsford said: “Tackling rogue traders is a big priority for trading standards; unscrupulous rogues and distraction burglars can have a devastating impact on peoples’ lives, and their activities are often linked to a vast network of crime.”