Rogue traders back in Newtown area

Dyfed-Powys Police and Powys County Council Trading Standards are intensifying their collaboration and increasing road checks to disrupt and stop rogue traders following a spate of local incidents.

 

Recent episodes have involved individuals taking monies from properties under the pretence of doing work, when no work was carried out.

 

Collaborative operations have highlighted that some traders, who were cold calling residents, were not offering the appropriate cancellation rights – and investigations are continuing.

 

Legitimate traders welcome the spot checks and supported the approach of enforcement agencies to stop and target rogue traders, especially in the current economic climate. And at this time of year, both the police and the council’s Trading Standards Service warn residents and businesses about Rogue Trader gangs operating in the Newtown area offering a range of services – such as gardening, general building, tarmac work and clearing moss off roofs.

 

Police spokesperson PCSO Sarah Bebb said: “Operations targeted at rogue traders demonstrates how trading standards professionals, the police and a wide range of other agencies are working together to tackle this blight on local communities all over the country. 

 

“This concerted, high-profile co-ordinated action has done much to raise awareness of how people can report any suspicions they may have that rogue traders are operating in their area, and how they can protect themselves against this menace.”

 

The collaborative effort also highlights Ringmaster, the Powys Community Messaging Service. It warns members of the public about scams and rogue traders, which residents can join.

 

Visit www.ringmaster.powys.gov.uk to sign up to Ringmaster.

 

Further information on your rights is available by calling Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 for their Welsh-speaking services or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

 

Residents who wish to report rogue traders operating in their area, or have any details of these incidents, can contact Dyfed-Powys Police on 101. Alternatively, they can contact their local Trading Standards office on: Brecon, 01874 623420; Llandrindod Wells, 01597 826032; Newtown, 01686 617524, or email trading.standards@powys.gov.uk