Rogue traders targeted in Solihull
Rogue Trader Week is an annual campaign that takes place nationally, raising awareness and prompting a week of action to target rogue traders.
These traders are individuals or groups of people who cold-call householders, often targeting the vulnerable, claiming to be bona fide businesses and purporting to offer services – most commonly maintenance or repair work. Offenders often charge large unacceptable fees whilst carrying out sub-standard work and occasionally intimidation tactics are used to ensure payment.
Over the last week partners from across Solihull have joined together to target offenders, raise awareness and ensure the borough is not an easy place for the unscrupulous to operate.
Solihull Trading Standards, West Midlands Police, Immigration, DVSA, Solihull Licensing and HMRC have worked together throughout the week visiting premises where work is being carried out and ensuring a professional and legal service is being delivered.
The joint agency team have specifically targeted bogus builders, roofers and scrap metal collectors, targeting areas known to suffer from activity, including places where the most vulnerable live.
As well as advising residents and challenging traders where appropriate, the team also undertook safeguarding duties removing a number of children who were identified at work on sites across the borough.
To compliment visits a series of vehicle check points were set up to catch those using the roads to operate illegally – sites included Ulleries Road and Chelmsley Road.
All vehicles stopped underwent a series of multi-agency checks to ensure they were legal.
On Wednesday (13th April) at one check point, in excess of 40 vehicles were stopped with two arrests being made and three vehicles seized by police. In addition five vehicles were taken off the road due to their condition and ten taxis were also stopped leading to Solihull Licensing Team advising four for the condition of their vehicles, and adherence to licensing conditions.
PC Luke Prescott who organised the operation and coordinated activity stated “Rogue Traders seek to target the most vulnerable in our community, undertaking substandard work and charging unreasonable amounts for it.
“Often the elderly are targeted and are left with high additional repair bills and an empty bank account.
“The team who took part this week have made a real difference, removing vehicles from the road, arresting offenders, safeguarding the vulnerable and sending a clear message to those that ply business in Solihull.
“This has been a real team effort and by using powers available to a range of partners we have achieved a great deal.
“Whilst this week has seen a rise in activity across the borough, these operations occur throughout the year ensuring Solihull remains a safe place to live”.
Solihull residents can ensure they do not become a victim by avoiding door to door services, contacting registered professional traders, ensuring written quotes for work are provided and paying for services once work is complete.
Consumer advice can be gained from Citizens Advice in the first instance on 03454 04 05 06 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday). More complex problems, or complaints requiring investigation or assistance are referred to Trading Standards or other advice services.
For help and advice including assistance finding reputable services: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/business/trading-standards/consumeradvice
Read more: http://www.solihullgetinvolved.co.uk/2016/04/15/rogue-trader-week-action/