South Leicester Police - Rogue Traders.

South Leicester Police - Rogue Traders.

Dear South Leicester Resident.

You are receiving the following message as you are a resident living or working on the area covered by the Freemen police beat team.

Rogue Traders 

Based on previous reports and seasonal crime trends tackling rogue trading in the community has been set as one of the beat priorities for the remainder of the year.

There is usually a spike in this type of crime as the winter comes in, with visible patrols and targeted engagement it is our aim to prevent and deter this by educated residents on the signs and ways to stop yourself from being targeted or a victim.

Rogue traders often use high pressure tactics, lack professional documentation and often demand upfront cash payments for conducting work that has not been pre-arranged. They will often call at your door unannounced and usually and tell you that they have been working nearby and have seen a problem with your guttering roof or driveway. They will say that the work is dangerous for you if left and may offer a today discount. Sometimes they say there are from a local council and have been sent to carry out work or pretend to be from legitimate companies, they often target elderly or vulnerable people. They sometimes ask to come inside to discuss work or payment, and this is usually a tactic to see if there are any high value items inside your address. 

To prevent yourself from being a victim, please follow these useful guidelines.

Never agree to let anybody do work inside or outside of your home if it has not been previously arranged by a reputable company and by yourself or somebody you live with.

Ask for identification, their name, their business name and if unsure call the company that they are claiming to be working for.

Never let anybody come into your home without checking the above first and do not leave them unaccompanied if they are inside, usually they ask to use the toilet or take you up on an offer of a hot drink to distract you so they can take your property. 

If you see anybody acting suspiciously or you are unsure of a doorstep caller then call the police, if possible, note down the company name on any vehicles or get a registration plate. 

Do not be scared to say NO and turn them away and if you feel intimated phone the police and then a close friend or relative. 

If you have been the victim of a rogue trader or know anybody that has then please contact the police, if you have family that are elderly, vulnerable or living alone then please share this information with them. 

If you would like anymore information on this or further advice, then do please get in touch with me.

Kind regards.