Multi-agency 'Rogue Trader' day of action

Police and Council Trading Standards and Environmental Protection Officers have been out today (Wednesday 30 June 2010) on an enforcement ‘day of action’ targeting doorstep tradesmen operating in Torbay.

Part of a national initiative, ‘Rogue Trader Day’ aims to send out a clear message that those traders who do not operate within the law are being actively targeted by the Authorities.

Trading Standards were out investigating potential fraud offences relating to consumers’ cancellation rights and spurious Trade Association claims whilst also educating traders as to their legal obligations. Police were checking names and address and vehicle registrations against the Police National Computer database.

Representatives from the Office of Fair Trading were also involved as were the appropriate Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Street Wardens offering vulnerable residents advice on how to deal with doorstep traders and highlighting the potential pitfalls associated with rogue traders.

Safer Communities Torbay’s Partnership Inspector; Glen Mayhew commented;

“This activity recognises the impact this type of potentially criminal behaviour can have on some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Working with the council’s Trading Standards department means that we are able to quickly identify illegitimate business activity.

Perpetrators often have previous history in other forms of criminal behaviour, so an important part of the operation is this ‘cross-referencing’ - working closely with our partners to identify these past offences is important in identifying potential perpetrators.”

Steve Cox, Environmental Health Manager for Torbay Council is urging residents to expose the fraudsters;

“Not all doorstep traders are ‘rogues’, many are completely legitimate and provide a good level of service. My best advice for individuals who are embarking on a deal with a doorstep trader is to ensure that you make the most of your consumer rights.

Essentially, if you paying more than £35 for any goods or services you have 7 days to cancel any agreement you make. Before any work is carried out the trader must give you a written notice explaining your right to cancel. By not giving you this, the trader is committing an offence and the contract is therefore not legally binding.”

Although the day did not result in any arrests, warnings or fixed penalty notices for non compliances, it presented the opportunity to provide business advice to traders who were unaware of the provisions of relevant legislation.

For more information contact Torbay Council’s Trading Standards department on 01803 208038.. To report a doorstep trader who fails to give you a cancellation notice call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.