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We have received reports of Rogue Traders targeting the elderly yesterday. Please speak to to elderly relatives / neighbours, remind them not to open their door to unknown visitors, especially in the evening. Have an agreed arrangement that if your visiting them you will ring before turning up.
Rogue trading concerns incidents where consumers have been
‘cold called’. It refers to the practice of deliberately
overcharging for unsatisfactory goods and/or services. This
includes overcharging for unnecessary work, damaging property
deliberately in order to obtain money, leaving work unfinished
and intimidating behaviour in order to extort money.
The Home
Office definition
of distraction
burglary is
‘any crime where a falsehood,
trick or distraction is used on
an occupant of a dwelling to
gain, or try to gain, access
to the premises to
commit burglary.
It includes cases where the
offender first enters the
premises and subsequently
uses distraction burglary
methods in order to remain
on the premises and/or gain
access to other parts of
the premises is order to
commit burglary.’
Doorstep Crime
Who are the offenders?
The offenders work as a team of two or more, and travel the
country choosing areas with a high population of older residents
or mixed communities within easy access of main or arterial
roads. They are taught their craft by their elders often from a
very early age. They live in a patriarchal hierarchical society.
The offenders are very aware of police procedures and will take
every opportunity to avoid being caught. They are known to
share information about suitable areas with other criminals.
Many Thanks Crewe Central Police | 
