Police warn of rogue traders operating in the county
Northamptonshire Police is urging the public to beware of rogue traders, following recent incidents involving bogus offers of driveway and gutter cleaning services. In each of the incidents, elderly people were targeted by men who were out door knocking and forcefully trying to persuade the residents to have the work done. The men were believed to have Irish accents and were driving vans with Irish number plates. So far, incidents have been reported in Daventry and the Kingsthorpe and Duston areas of Northampton.
Chief Inspector Pete Basham said: “I’d like to send out a strong message to Northamptonshire’s residents to be on guard for this sort of activity. It is often the elderly and vulnerable that are targeted by these fraudsters, who will frequently try to take the victim to a bank or cash machine while they are completely unaware that they are falling victim to a scam. “If you or someone you know finds themselves in such a situation and have any doubts, call police to attend. Please be vigilant in your neighbourhood for potential rogue traders operating, and encourage elderly or vulnerable relatives to call you should any tradesman insist work needs to be carried out, or are demanding money.”
Cllr Jason Smithers, Northamptonshire County Council cabinet member for Highways and Place, said: “Our advice is never to agree to work on the doorstep even if the trader says that it is urgent, but if you do need work done to your property, get quotes from two or three reputable traders and compare them.
“Homeowners can find a Trading Standards approved trader through the national ‘Buy With Confidence’ scheme www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk
“And always remember that ‘If you’re not sure, don’t open the door’.”
Published June Edition 2020
The Nether Heyford Prattler 