The team wanted to make residents aware of a report of a rogue trader in Mickleover. Currently there's only the single report, however the trader seems to have taken advantage of the recent snow, and it's possible they will do the same following Storm Bert, which is currently causing issues across the country. 

The rogue traders have used a common tactic; targeting elderly or vulnerable addresses, usually with single occupants, and informing them that they've been doing work on their neighbours houses further down the street. They will often claim that there are roof tiles missing, the chimney stack is damaged or similar; Playing on areas of the house that wouldn't necessarily be seen by the resident easily, or without access to ladders. 

They will then create a quote, often at vastly inflated prices, but will offer to reduce it if the resident gives them a deposit, or the full amount. The work is then never carried out. 

The family of the recent incident thankfully managed to ensure the payment was stopped before it was processed, however others haven't been as fortunate. The rogue traders will often arrange a date to return if their first payment is successful, and payments will quickly run into the thousands before the victim, family or friends realise it is fraudulent. 

Mickleover neighbourhood officers are visiting with the victim to ensure they have all the support and safeguarding they need, as well as being referred to the specialist fraud unit. We will be conducting enquiries in the area to identify the rogue trader, any information or sightings that seem suspicious would be most useful to us, if they could be past on please. 
 

Thank you

Sam 12829