Rogue traders target the elderly in Runcorn

ROGUE traders ripping off elderly victims in Runcorn have sparked an alert from the police.

A Cheshire police spokesman said the force has received reports in recent weeks of residents being over-charged for shoddy work carried out at their home by doorstep callers.

Most victims have been in Castlefields.

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information about rogue traders is urged to make contact.

Advice has also been issued on how to avoid falling victim to doorstep crime.

Police Constable Stuart Beswick, of Runcorn Local Policing Unit, said: “Over the last few weeks we have received several reports of rogue traders leaflet dropping and cold calling at the addresses of elderly and vulnerable residents in Runcorn.

“Some of these residents have agreed to have gardening or roof work done at their property and subsequently been charged excessive amounts of money for this work, despite it being substandard.

“Rogue traders tend to target the most vulnerable people in communities, taking advantage of them with the intention of getting as much money from

them as possible.

“I want to take this opportunity to urge residents to be vigilant and to call the police on 101 if they become suspicious of anyone who comes to their door offering to carry out work.

“I also ask residents to look out for their elderly or vulnerable neighbours by checking on their welfare and reporting any suspicious activity to the police.”

PC Beswick added: “Just because a doorstep caller has professional looking leaflets or advertisements to show you, that does not mean they are a reputable trader with all the relevant documentation.

“The fact that rogue traders have been fleecing elderly and vulnerable residents in Runcorn highlight the dangers of agreeing to have work carried out by doorstep callers.” Tips on staying safe include: Ask a neighbour or friend to check out a doorstep caller before opening the door to them or agree to have any work done.

Always check a doorstep caller’s identity by telephoning the company they claim to work for.

Use the telephone number listed in a phonebook or on the company’s website; never the number provided by the caller.

Check whether traders are members of the Local Authority Assured Trader Scheme or the Government’s TrustMark scheme.

If improvement or maintenance work is needed, discuss this with a relative or a friend to find a reputable trader.

Do not agree to any work on the spot, or sign anything – do not let anyone pressurise for the work to be done.

Always obtain quotes from multiple traders before agreeing to have work done.

Do not pay cash up front and never go to the bank or to a cashpoint with a trader.

Anyone with information about rogue traders operating in Halton should call Cheshire police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively provide details online at www.cheshire.police. uk